African Harrier-Hawk

Polyboroides typus Smith, A, 1829

African Harrier-Hawk, Polyboroides typus, is a bird of prey found across Africa, where it breeds widely south of the Sahara. It belongs to the Accipitridae and was described by Smith in 1829. This medium-sized raptor is notable for its double-jointed ankles, which let it probe into holes and cracks that other birds cannot reach. It also has a bare facial patch that can be red or yellow. It is adaptable in its choice of habitat and can live in forests, farmland, villages and urban areas.

Order

Accipitriformes

Family

Accipitridae — Kites, Hawks, Eagles

Breeding range

Africa: widespread