AFRICAN RAPTORS and OWLS

Africa has a great number of raptors and a l;esser number of owls, most of which are restricted to that continent. Numbers are swelled by migrants from the north, most of these will be found in the Eurasia page. Due to the plains and abundant game, vultures in particular have not suffered quite so much from those in Asia due to the use of diclofenac, although most are in decline. My most recent trip has been to Africa where Ghana holds several raptors. Only one new species, but several improved photos, since earlier trips to West Africa were with a film camera. Last updated April 2025.

African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus Ghana 2024
A common hawk throughout sub-saharan Africa, in forests, and savannah and near human habitation. There are two subspecies, but plumage differences are slight, as are those with Madagascar Harrier-hawk, the only other member of the genus.
African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus Ghana 2024
Formerley known as Gymnogene, it hunts by soaring, but also attacking nests and cavities, made easier by a double-jointed ankle, shared only by the smaller Crane Hawk, which shares a similar appearence. It is not related, it being a case of convergent evolution.
Madagascar Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides radiatus Madagascar 2013
The only other member of the genus, fairly common throughout Madagascar except deforested areas. It is endemic and very similar to the above species, field guides indicating a difference in facial colouration are inaccurate, the yellow is often suffused pink on both species.
Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis Gambia 1991
A monotypic genus breeding in sub-saharan Africa, usually near water, its range coinciding with that of oil and raffia palms, thus largely absent from S. Africa. Its main diet is palm fruits, also small reptiles etc. Carrion is rarely taken, small size probably makes it very low in the pecking order.
African Cuckoo-Hawk Aviceda cuculoides Ghana 2024
Related to Asian Bazas, three subspecies are found in much of sub-saharan Africa, mainly in fairly dense woodlands. Whilst not rare, they are solitary and shy and can be difficult to see, this juvenile was a new bird for me in Ghana.
Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus Ghana 2024
Although found across most of Africa in suitable regions, this monotypic genus, close to the Gyps vultures, has suffered catastophic losses over the last twenty years for many reasons, and is now listed as Critically Endangered. The only area with stable populations is the Gambia.
Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus Ghana 2024
We have seen this species in four African countries, only in Gambia was it plentiful. Whilst we saw a few in Ghana, in Nigeria numbers end up in markets, as medicine or human food. There have been cases of poisoning by poachers, since rangers use vultures to indicate where carcases are.
African White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus Uganda 2016
Once the most abundant vulture in Africa, this species has suffered unsustainable declines for similar reasons as other African vultures, and is also Critically Endangered. Whilst subsceptical to diclofenac, many other toxic substances have been found in corpses.
Rüppell's Vulture Gyps rueppelli Uganda 2016
Similarly Critical, although perhaps in a slightly better position than some other vultures, these somewhat larger birds are found mainly in East Africa, with smaller numbers in the west, however recent vagrancy to Iberia may indicate an attempt at range expansion.
Rüppell's Vulture Gyps rueppelli Uganda 2016
Two similar subspecies, they will continue feeding on hides and bone after other vultures have left. They hold the record for the world's highest flying bird at 37,000 feet. Such records are not scientific, based on pilot observations, but birds do have adaptations to cope with rarefied air.
Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos Uganda 2016
Patchily distributed in Africa away from forests, a large vulture which is dominant at carcasses and may also take some live, or recently killed prey. There are two subspecies, one in Arabia which is rare but distinctive enough to possibly warrant species status. Overall listed as Endangered.
Beaudouin's Snake Eagle Circaetus beaudouini Gambia 1991
One of several Snake Eagles, found in a belt across Africa from Senegal to South Sudan, and the northern parts of Kenya and Uganda. Monotypic, it was once suggested to be a race of Short-toed Snake Eagle.
Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis Namibia 1999
A distinctive species, at least as an adult, found in east and southern Africa. Monotypic, but nomadic in some areas meaning that numbers fluctuate and may be common in some areas at certain times and vice versa. Not generally found in heavily forested or mountainous regions.
Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus Uganda 2016
Widespread in Africa in savanna and open woodland from Senegal to Ethiopia, and most of the southern regions. The largest of its genus solely in Africa, and very solitary. Quite common, but movements, even when breeding, can mean it is rarely seen in a particular area. .
Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus Uganda 2016
Mainly feeding on snakes, it has some protection but decapitates them as quickly as possible. Species such as Boomslang, Black Mamba & Puff-Adder are on the menu, usually hunted from a perch and consumed on the ground. The underwing pattern is distinct from other snake-eagles.
Western Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus cinerascens Uganda 2016
The smallest Snake Eagle, it prefers open woodland near water, and is often secretive. It hunts from an elevated perch, mainly snakes but also other small invertebrates. Like several of the genus, it is found in a band from Senegal to Ethiopia, but its southern range is west of the Rift Valley.
Western Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus cinerascens Uganda 2016
Whilst birds are predominantly brown they seem to often be grey or greyish, which we haven't photographed. Immatures, it seems, are rarely photographed due to the bird's secretive nature. Formerly known as Smaller-banded, or just Banded, before taxonomic revisions.
Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus Ghana 2024.
A very distinctive raptor in many ways, found in many open areas of sub-saharan Africa, although declines due to persecution and nest predation have led to its being classified as Endangered, and it tends to be restricted to protected areas. A monotypic genus.
Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus Ghana 2024
Its large wing area and short tail allow it to be capable of aerial feats when excited or challenged. It spends much time soaring but it's diet consists of both live prey, often surprisingly large, and carrion. It's nearest relatives seem to be Snake-Eagles.
Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus Uganda 2016
Another monotypic genus found over much of sub-saharan Africa, it has a preference for open wooded areas and especially thornbush, but spends much of its time in the air, from where it hunts a wide range of prey, being the heaviest African eagle.
Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus Uganda 2016
Antelope fawns are often taken, whereas rodents may be ignored. Livestock are also predated, and this is obviously a cause of their rapid decline, since many are shot. Now listed as Endangered, there is sadly a record of an 11 year old boy in Ethiopia being killed (2019)
Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis Uganda 2016
A monotypic genus widespread in sub-saharan Africa, except more arid areas of the west, this bird is easily identified by its long, shaggy crest. It is one of the few to be increasing in numbers, largely because its main diet is rodents, we have seen them in Gambia and Ethiopia also.
Wahlberg's Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi Uganda 2016
A widespread, medium-size eagle in Africa, breeding in the wet season in the south and migrating north outside the breeding season, found at all altitudes but more in the east. Its main prey is birds up to Gabar Goshawk size, and also some reptiles and small mammals.
Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii Ethiopia 2011
Widespread in Africa in dry, rocky environments in cliffs, gorges and inselbergs often surrounded by open savanna; also a small population in the Arabian Peninsular. Its main prey is hyraxes, and although quite common it is difficult to photograph due to its specific habitats.
African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster
Found in woodland, parks and large gardens, their prey is predominantly small birds, although large females will take pigeons. A regular visitor to our garden, much to the annoyance of birds at our feeders, they were rare in East Anglia post DDT, but are now common.
Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus
Probably not closely related to buzzards, indeed it has been called Lizard Hawk, a solitary widespread and common bird in most of subsaharan Africa. Found in moist dense savannah woodland especially miombo, and often near rivers.
Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus
Declining in some areas to due human encroachment, it still remains a plentiful species The black stripe running down the throat is diagnostic. The main prey is insects and reptiles, usually taken in the grass from a perch, in fact birds are rarely in flight.
Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates Uganda 2016
Widespread in Africa, this long-legged species has four subspecies, two of which, in Morocco and the Arabian Peninsular, are extremely scarce due to deforestation. They will take a wide variety of prey and often follow large predators in the hope of small rodents being disturbed.
Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus Namibia 1999
Obviously closely related to Dark Chanting Goshawk, the two subspecies are a southern equivalent, in Angola Botswana and South Africa. Predominantly found in arid areas, prey etc. is much as its counterpart, and it is also commonly seen on trees, telegraph poles etc.
African Goshawk Aerospiza tachiro Uganda 2016
Found in east, south central and south of Africa, it was formerly considered conspecific with Red-chested Goshawk, but in the interests of taxonomic harmony will likely be lumped again. Found in forest often near water, inconspicuous except for soaring in the early morning.
Ovambo Sparrowhawk Accipiter ovampensis Namibia 1999
Found mainly south of the equator, northern birds are though to be probably wanderers. The only one I've ever photographed was a juvenile. Localised and uncommon in all but the southern African part of its range, it is unusual in that it hunts birds, more like a falcon than a Hawk.
Black Sparrowhawk Astur melanoleucus Ghana 2024
Widespread in Africa in the right habitat, this "sparrowhawk" is one of the largest Goshawks, in the same genus as Eurasian. There are predominantly black birds, especially in the Cape area, but overall most are like the bird here. It does most of its hunting from a concealed perch.
African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus
Disjunct population s of this species occur commonly in Eastern and southern Africa, wherever there are suitable wetlands, although populations are declining in some areas. Smaller than Western, it is also monogamous and a solitary rooster.
Black Harrier Circus maurus South Africa 2001
An Endangered species breeding in coastal and montane areas of Namibia and South Africa, this distant shot of birds displaying is my only encounter. Birds undertake east-west migrations to maximise food availability, mainly small rodents, often in desert areas.
Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius
Common and widespread in sub-Saharan Africa except the Congo Basin, with a second subspecies in Egypt, the Horn of Africa and sw. Arabia. Formerly lumped with Black Kite, which occurs in winter, the yellow bill is diagnostic. Also found in the Comoros and Madagascar
African Fish Eagle Icthyophaga vocifer Uganda 2016
Possibly the most familiar of African raptors, found wherever there is water in Africa south of the Sahara, mummified remains have also been found in Egypt. Fish is its main prey, but it will take other birds, reptiles and mammals, or steal prey from herons or even other eagles.
African Fish Eagle Icthyophaga vocifer Ethiopia 2011
The scientific name refers to its call, which is a familiar sound in Africa, often with the head thrown back. It is used as a symbol in the coats of arms of several African countries, and appears on banknotes and coins also.
Madagascar Fish Eagle Icthyophaga vociferoides Madagascar 2013
Unlike its relative, this is a Critically Endangered endemic, breeding only in dry deciduous forests of north-west Madagascar. There are thought to be about 120 breeding pairs, but it does seem stable at present. A very lucky shot from a boat.
Madagascar Fish Eagle Icthyophaga vociferoides Madagascar 2013
Somewhat smaller than its mainland counterpart, and always with some tan colour on the head, it seems to be more reliant on fish, which it catches from a perch within a water body. It can be polyandrous, this is possibly an adaptation to small breeding numbers.
Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur rufipennis Gambia 1991
Related to three Asian species in the same genus, this used to be called buzzard-hawk which is better descriptively. Found commonly in a narrow strip from Senegal to Somalia, it migrates south in the non-breeding season as far as Tanzania.
Mountain Buzzard Buteo oreophilus Ethiopia 2011
A species-pair with Forest Buzzard this montane species of eastern Africa is considered Near-threatened It is rareley seen since it spends most of its time perched within forest cover, from whence it hunts reptiles and small mammals.
Red-necked Buzzard Buteo augularis Ghana 2024
This common and distinctive species occurs from Sierra Leone to Ethiopia, Uganda and Angola. It prefers open areas and forest edges to hunt a range of small animals, usually from a perch. It is absent from dense lowland forest, and partially migratory.
Madagascar Buzzard Buteo brachypterus Madagascar 2013
Obviously endemic, but unusual in that it is possibly increasing in numbers. Found throughout the island but less common in the central deforested area, it is closely related to Common and Mountain Buzzards. A generalist feeder, it may take prey up to the size of lemurs.
Augur Buzzard Buteo augur Ethiopia 2011
Found in montane Africa, Ethiopia and Somalia to Zimbabwe, and Angola to Namibia. It has two subspecies, Somalian birds formerly split as Archer's Buzzard. Reasonably common, it is replaced in South Africa by the similar Jackal Buzzard, the two occur together only in Namibia.
Augur Buzzard Buteo augur Ethiopia 2011
There are two colour phases of this buzzard, much of the white is replaced by black in the dark phase. Dark birds account for about 10% of the population but this can rise to 50% in some forested areas with high rainfall.
Augur Buzzard Buteo augur Ethiopia 2011
Never managed a shot of Jackal Buzzard although we've seen them, so a third shot of this strikingly plumaged buteo, it being the largest in Africa along with Jackal. A large range of prey is taken, usually from a perch but sometimes in low flight.
Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus Namibia 1999
Africa's smallest raptor, two subspecies are found in disjunct populations, one from the Horn to central Tanzania, the other Angola, Namibia and nw South Africa. They always associate with weaver colonies and breed in peripheral nests with short entrance tunnels.
Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus Namibia 1999
Sexually dimorphic, they also have two white "eye-spots" on the rear of the head, like some small owls. Weavers are only preyed upon occasionally, overall the falcons offer protection and help to deter other predators.
Malagasy Kestrel Falco newtoni Madagascar 2013
The common kestrel of Madagascar, also found on Aldabra (different subspecies). Once considered conspecific with the next species, it is a bird of savannahs and wetlands but will readily approach human habitation, this photo was taken at Antananarivo airport.
Mauritius Kestrel Falco punctatus Mauritius 2018
Rescued from a low of 5-6 birds in the 1970's, this bird of forest areas in the southwest plateau of Mauritius, had recovered to 800 adult birds in the early 2000's, but has dropped again to about half that figure and is currently listed as Endangered.
Mauritius Kestrel Falco punctatus Mauritius 2018
Rescued from a low of 5-6 birds in the 1970's, this bird of forest areas in the southwest plateau of Mauritius, had recovered to 800 adult birds in the early 2000's, but has dropped again to about half that figure and is currently listed as Endangered.
Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides Namibia 1999
An inhabitant of grassland, savannas and semi-desert across much of southern Africa, with pockets of a second subspecies in various rift valley areas. It is actually larger than most kestrels, and has no malar stripe. Formerly known as White-eyed Kestrel.
Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus
A common small falcon in a central belt of Africa in open regions, with a number of unusual characteristics. It is largely crepuscular, nests in old Hamerkop nests (in the main) and will sometimes eat oil palm nuts in addition to a more normal diet of insects, lizards and small mammals.
Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus
This, Dickinson's and the next Kestrel have been placed in a subgenus as there are many similarities. Visually, the nearest bird is Sooty Falcon but it is not closely related and has much longer wings. This is a young bird as shown by the brownish tones and cere colour.
Banded Kestrel Falco zoniventris Madagascar 2013.
Closely related to the previous species and endemic to Madagascar, where it is commonest in the south and west. Like Grey, it utilises old nests of other birds, and also rarely hovers, snatching small reptiles and insects from the ground or tree branches.
Banded Kestrel Falco zoniventris Madagascar 2013.
It has many other names, variations on Madagascar, Barred and Banded. Usually solitary, it is particularly adept at spotting chameleons, often in dense foliage, from up to 150 metres away, its large eyes are a feature. This is probably a young bird.
Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera
Two subspecies (formerly species), in Africa and India inhabit semi-desert, savanna and other dry areas. They often hunt in pairs at dawn and dusk, and are specialist bird hunters, one bird flies low and flushes prey to its partner flying above. Listed as Near-threatened.
African Hobby Falco cuvierii Ghana 2024
Physically a typical Hobby, found in many sub-Saharan countries but solitary and rarely seen. It is commonest in palm savannah and gallery forest, but may be nomadic in search of food. Insects, and small birds when breeding, are taken on the wing.
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus Egypt 2010
There are five subspecies of this large widespread falcon, from Africa and parts of Eurasia, where it is declining. It is an open country bird that normally hunts birds and small mammals by horizontal pursuit rather than stooping like a Peregrine.
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus Ethiopia 2011
There is much variation, but the orangey cap is diagnostic. Eurasian birds are supposedly browner and African greyer, this very dark bird does not exhibit the characteristics of the two races occuring in Ethiopia, but hybridisation is common, especially with falconer's escapes.
White-browed Owl Athene superciliaris Madagascar 2013
This Madagascan endemic is reasonably common in the drier and gallery forests of the south and west, less so in the rainforest of the north. Supposedly strictly nocturnal, we found roosting birds during the day fairly easily. A peculiar characteristic is its pale blue eyelids.
White-browed Owl Athene superciliaris Madagascar 2013
Originally classified as a Hawk-Owl (Ninox), it is now in the genus Athene, its nearest relative being Burrowing Owl of the Americas. It is quite large for a "little" owl, and may warrant further taxonomic investigation.
Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum Ghana 2024
The commonest and one of the smallest African owls, found throughout sub-saharan Africa. Due to its diurnal habits it is probably the most often seen. It hunts mainly at night, mainly insects but opportunisticly taking small birds etc.
Red-chested Owlet Glaucidium tephronotum Ghana 2024
By contrast this, Pearl-spotted's nearest relative, is one of the most difficult to see. Although the population appears stable, it tends to be found in rainforest mainly in west Africa, much of which is rarely visited by birders. Although active by day it tends to be secretive.
Rainforest Scops Owl Otus rutilus Madagascar 2013
Another endemic found primarily in the wetter forest areas of the east. There is much taxonomic debate as to whether its eastern, dry habitat counterpart, Torotoroka Scops Owl is a good species. Neither is easy to photograph, being nocturnal and secretive.
African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis Ghana 2024
Similar and related to many species which were at one time all included in "Scops Owl", it tends to be greyer than Eurasian Scops, which occurs in some parts in winter. Widespread and common in Africa south of the Sahara.
Northern White-faced Owl Ptilopsis leucotis Gambia 1991
An attractive owl (when it can be seen properly), a genus of two which were previously lumped. Northern is found in a belt from Sene-Gambia to Sudan, whereas Southern comes no further north than Gabon. Northern tends to be greyer, and the calls are different.
Abyssinian Owl Asio abyssinicus Ethiopia 2011
Originally given the name when it was first decsribed in 1843, a second subspecies was described in 1912, effectively extending the range to include Albertine Rift montane forests and parts of northern Kenya, it is difficult to see anywhere despite being relatively common.
Madagascar Owl Asio madagascariensis Madagascar 2013
Very similar to "our" Long-eared Owl, both in habits and favoured habitat. Strictly nocturnal, it can take quite large prey including birds, reptiles and mammals. Commonest in dry western woodlands, but ranges widely. This bird chose a more open roost than is usual.
Marsh Owl Asio capensis Madagascar 2013
A ground-nester found in open grassland, marshlands and short scrub in many regions of Africa. Declining, there are seperate subspecies in north Morocco and Madagascar, this is hova, which could be a potential split. Moroccan birds have long been sought after for WP lists.
Cape Eagle-Owl Bubo capensis capensis South Africa 2001
This was the famous bird which roosted in Stellenbosch Gardens, taken on slide film. There are two other subspecies, Mackinder's, from Kenya to w Mozambique, and Abyssinian (dillonii) in Ethiopia and Eritrea. A large species, although the nominate is the smallest of the three.
Greyish Eagle-Owl Bubo cinerascens Ghana 2024
A northern equivalent of the next species, found from Senegal and Gambia to Ethiopia and n Kenya. A large owl, it is not always greyish but more often grey-brown, however the eyes are dark as opposed to yellowish in Spotted.
Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus South Africa 2001
Commonly found south of the equator in Africa, where it is the commonest owl in many areas. Smaller than Greyish, it is one of the smaller Bubos. It is found in many habitats and often near human habitation. We saw one on a lamp standard when leaving a restaurant.
Verreaux's Eagle Owl Ketupa lactea Uganda 2016
Common in Sub-saharan Africa, this is the largest owl on the continent, however Eurasian Eagle-owl has some races which are larger. In the genus containing Fish-owls, it is not closely related to any others. Its pink eyelids are a well-known and unique feature.
African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii Kenya 2010
Related to Tawny Owl and widespread in Africa, only two other Strix occur in Africa, one just reaches the Red Sea in Egypt, the other is recently split from Tawny Owl in Morocco. There are four subspecies, this is probably nigricantior.