Discovering the African Cuckoo - Hawk
As we delve into the diverse avian wonders of Africa, the spotlight falls on the African Cuckoo - Hawk (Aviceda cuculoides), also charmingly known as the African Baza.
This medium - sized raptor, belonging to the Accipitridae family, graces the skies of sub - Saharan Africa and the eastern regions of Southern Africa. Drawing its name from its resemblance to the Common Cuckoo, this elusive bird adds a touch of mystery to the dense woodlands and forests it calls home.
A Tale of Elegance and Distinction
The male African Cuckoo - Hawk boasts a striking blackish - brown plumage above, adorned with a grey mantle and chest, crowned by a blackish crest. Its underparts are a canvas of white, embellished with broad chestnut bars. A black tail, embellished with three grey bars and a grey - and - white tip, completes its regal appearance.
The females, while browner, exhibit paler chestnut bars on their underparts. In flight, these raptors are distinctive, showcasing a small head, broad narrowly rounded wings, and a medium - length tail.
The wingspan, just over double the body length, gives these creatures an air of grace, with females slightly outstretching their male counterparts.
Where Secrets Unfold
The African Cuckoo - Hawk, though shy and elusive, graces the interior and edges of evergreen forests, deciduous woodlands, suburban gardens, and open savannas, reaching altitudes of up to 3,000 meters.
During migration, these enigmatic birds also venture into drier woodlands and bushes, adding an element of unpredictability to their habitat choices.
The Mysterious Migrations and Breeding Rituals
This sedentary species does, however, embark on seasonal movements between April and November. Some individuals migrate northwards to East Africa, specifically coastal Kenya, while others make their way to Southern Africa, particularly the Transvaal Highveld, during the non - breeding season.
The breeding season varies across different regions, with Southern Africa witnessing breeding from September to March, West Africa from June to August, and Kenya experiencing two breeding periods from March to June and November to February.
During the breeding season, the African Cuckoo - Hawk sheds its secretive demeanor, engaging in spectacular aerial displays. The monogamous, solitary nesters construct untidy platforms of twigs, vines, and leaves, lined with grass and small sticks.
Placed high in the tree canopy, normally between 10 and 30 meters above the ground, the nest cradles one or two eggs, occasionally three. Both parents share the responsibilities of feeding and brooding the chicks, which fledge after 28 days and take their maiden flight a few days later.
A Culinary Palette
Intriguingly, the African Cuckoo - Hawk maintains a varied diet, feasting on reptiles and insects within the canopy. Its menu includes the Flap - Necked Chameleon, Southern Dwarf Chameleon, Lizards, Snakes, Frogs, Fish, Fruit Bats, Mice, Birds, Grasshoppers, Locusts, Stick Insects, Silverfish Larvae, Caterpillars, Mantids, and even Freshwater Crabs.
A Glimpse into Concerns
While the African Cuckoo - Hawk enjoys a large range and a seemingly stable population trend, concerns linger. The loss of forest habitat and predation by larger raptors pose potential threats.
Instances of drowning in small reservoirs on farmland have been reported in South Africa. Additionally, the species faces exploitation for traditional medicine in some countries.
A Call for Knowledge and Protection
The African Cuckoo - Hawk finds itself on CITES Appendix II, CMS Appendix II, and Raptors MoU Category 3. Despite these designations, much remains unknown about its population size and trends, necessitating further research for a thorough assessment of extinction risk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the African Cuckoo - Hawk enchants us with its mystery, a captivating denizen of the African skies that beckons us to delve deeper into the secrets of its habitat, behavior, and the delicate balance of its existence.
About The Author
Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.
Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.
To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography
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