Least Concern Birds

African Harrier Hawk

Polyboroides typus

African Harrier Hawk, predator in savannas hunting birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Scientific name	Polyboroides typus
Swahili name	Mwewe-mweupe
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Falconiformes
Family	Accipitridae
Size	Male: approximately 0.6-0.8 kg; Female: approximately 0.7-0.9 kg

See this species in the app

How to identify

Medium to large body size, wings broad and rounded; wings and tail have distinct black and white alternating stripes; legs are long and flexible, able to extend into tree holes to hunt; head gray with yellow bare skin around the eyes; wings form a distinct V shape during flight

Habitat

Sparse savanna, open woodlands, shrubs, river valleys, and edges of farmland

Diet

Carnivorous, mainly preys on birds, reptiles (such as lizards and snakes), small mammals, and insects

When it is active

Diurnal, active frequently during the day

Where it lives

Widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya and the Maasai Mara region

How to spot it

Look for them in open woodlands or river valley edges at dawn or dusk, paying attention to activity near tree holes

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture the unique behavior of extending legs into holes to hunt; best to photograph flight posture in good lighting conditions

Threats

Habitat destruction and pesticide use leading to prey reduction

Similar species

Similar to the common harrier, but the African harrier has longer legs that can extend into tree holes; differs in flight posture and tail stripe patterns

📖 how to spot the african harrier hawk on safari