Black sparrowhawk

The black sparrowhawk, also known as the black goshawk or great sparrowhawk, is the largest African member of the Accipiter genus. These majestic birds are primarily found in forested and non-desert regions south of the Sahara, particularly in areas with large trees suitable for nesting. They primarily feed on medium-sized birds such as pigeons and doves, especially in suburban areas where these prey are abundant.

There are two subspecies of the black sparrowhawk: *Accipiter melanoleucus melanoleucus* and *Accipiter melanoleucus temminckii*. Both subspecies belong to the Accipiter genus within the Accipitridae family. Intriguingly, black sparrowhawks exhibit two color morphs, light and dark, which follow Mendelian inheritance patterns.

Black sparrowhawks are distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, with their population density varying by region. They flourish in forested areas, woodlands, and along riverine strips. Additionally, they have acclimated well to secondary forests and urban environments. For example, in Cape Town, these birds have adapted remarkably, benefiting from the ample availability of prey.

Typically quiet, black sparrowhawks become more vocal during the breeding season. They hunt from concealed perches, targeting mid-sized birds like doves and occasionally small mammals. For reproduction, black sparrowhawks form monogamous pairs and construct nests high up in trees. Both parents participate in nest-building and share responsibilities in rearing their chicks.