African Hawk Eagles

African Hawk Eagles are notable for their powerful and agile flight, making them formidable hunters in their environment. They often hunt in pairs, with one bird flushing out the prey and the other capturing it, showcasing a unique level of cooperation among birds of prey. This strategy not only increases their success rate in hunting but also strengthens the pair bond. Despite their Least Concern status, the preservation of their natural habitats is crucial to maintaining healthy populations, ensuring that these impressive raptors continue to thrive across the African continent.

Scientific Name: Aquila spilogaster

Habitat: African Hawk Eagles are found in a variety of habitats including open woodlands, savannas, forest edges, and riverine forests across sub-Saharan Africa.
Diet: They primarily prey on birds and mammals, including guineafowls, francolins, squirrels, and mongooses. They are known for their dramatic hunting technique, often chasing their prey in pairs through the trees.
Physical Characteristics: This medium-sized eagle has a striking appearance with black and white plumage. The upper parts are mostly black, while the chest and underparts are white with black spots and bars. They have a wingspan of about 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5 to 6 feet) and measure approximately 55 to 65 cm (22 to 26 inches) in length.
Lifespan: While specific lifespan data in the wild are scarce, birds of prey similar in size typically live for 10-15 years, with some individuals living longer in captivity.
Reproduction: African Hawk Eagles are monogamous and build large stick nests in tall trees. The female usually lays 1 to 2 eggs, which are incubated for about 43 to 45 days. The fledging period lasts about 70 to 75 days.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, they face threats from habitat destruction and disturbance, which can impact their breeding success and prey availability.

African Hawk Eagles at Chipangali

Storm

Species: African Hawk Eagle
Age on Arrival: Unknown
Arrival Date: Unknown
Sex: Female

Storm’s Story:  Storm, an ex-falconry bird, represents the complex relationship between humans and wildlife, her life at Chipangali a testament to the sanctuary’s role in bridging worlds. Offering her a place of dignity and respect, the sanctuary not only ensures her well-being but also highlights the importance of understanding and protecting the intricate connections that bind humans to the natural world.

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RHS Image: Chris Eason, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons