Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk

Accipiter rufiventris Smith, A, 1830

Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Accipiter rufiventris, breeds in eastern, south-eastern and southern Africa and belongs to the Accipitridae. It is a small raptor with a limited southern African range, though planted pine has allowed it to spread in some places. Its most obvious feature is the rufous colouring on the underparts, visible when it is perched or flying. The upperparts are dark grey slate-brown, including the head, and the bill is black. The eyes are yellow at every age. In flight, the barred wings and tail stand out clearly.

Order

Accipitriformes

Family

Accipitridae — Kites, Hawks, Eagles

Breeding range

Africa: e, se, s