African Harrier-Hawk

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The African Harrier-Hawk, also known as the Gymnogene, is a medium-sized raptor with a distinctive grey body, black wingtips, and a bare yellow or red face patch. It is unique for its flexible double-jointed legs, enabling it to probe into cavities for prey.

Where to spot

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, forests, and even urban areas.

How to spot

Look for its grey body, black flight feathers, long yellow legs, and bare facial skin. Observe its characteristic searching behavior, climbing up tree trunks and probing into nooks and crannies with its flexible legs.

When to spot

Year-round, active during daylight hours, often seen in the early morning or late afternoon. Most visible during the dry season.

Where to spot

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, forests, and even urban areas.

How to spot

When to spot

Year-round, active during daylight hours, often seen in the early morning or late afternoon. Most visible during the dry season.

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Its incredible leg flexibility allows it to reach into tree hollows, rock crevices, and even abandoned nests to extract eggs, chicks, or small animals, earning it the nickname 'acrobat of the avian world'.

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