Birds I Love – The Pale Chanting Goshawk

Discovering the Pale Chanting Goshawk

Southern Africa is home to a wide array of fascinating wildlife, and the Pale Chanting Goshawk (Melierax canorus) is undoubtedly one of its avian gems. As a resident species of the dry, open semi-desert regions with minimal annual rainfall, this raptor is a testament to nature's adaptability.

Join me on this journey as we delve into the world of the Pale Chanting Goshawk, uncovering its captivating features, unique behaviours, and ecological significance.

A Graceful Presence

The Pale Chanting Goshawk is a medium-sized bird of prey, boasting a wingspan of about 110 cm and a length of approximately 55 cm. Its plumage is a study in subtle elegance, with grey upperparts that seamlessly transition into a white rump.

As you observe this magnificent bird, you'll notice black-tipped central tail feathers and grey and white barred outer tail feathers. The head and upper breast of the Pale Chanting Goshawk are adorned with pale grey plumage, while the rest of its underparts feature intricate dark grey and white barring.

Its eyes captivate with their deep brown hue in adults, while the young ones flaunt pale yellow irises. The bill is a striking combination of red at the base and dark grey at the tip, complementing the red cere, facial skin, and long legs.

The Flight Elegance

In flight, the Pale Chanting Goshawk exhibits a mesmerizing contrast – black primary flight feathers, very pale grey (almost white) secondaries, and grey forewings. Immature Goshawks sport brown upperparts with a white rump and black barring on their tails.

The view from below reveals white flight feathers and tail with black barring, a dark-streaked white throat, and rufous underparts. Notably, female Goshawks are larger than their male counterparts.

An Eloquent Melody in the Desert

During the breeding season, both male and female Pale Chanting Goshawks are known for their vocal prowess. Their call is a tuneful, whistling melody that resonates with a distinctive "kleeu-kleeu-kleeu-ku-ku-ku".

They often deliver this enchanting song from the lofty perches of trees, making it an audible treat for anyone fortunate enough to hear it.

Masterful Predators

The Pale Chanting Goshawk is a versatile predator, employing various strategies in its hunt for sustenance. It frequently hunts from elevated perches, including trees and telephone poles, affording it a commanding view of the landscape. However, it is equally comfortable walking on the ground in search of prey.

Diverse Diet of Goshawks

This raptor's diet is nothing short of diverse, encompassing small mammals, such as Cape Hares, Lizards, Birds, large Insects, and even carrion. Remarkably, it has been documented preying on Tent Tortoises and Leopard Tortoise hatchlings, swallowing them whole while their shells are still soft.

Additionally, the Pale Chanting Goshawk is known to associate with foraging Honey Badgers, capitalizing on prey flushed out by the Badger's feeding activities. This unique partnership enhances hunting opportunities without compromising the Honey Badger's foraging efficiency.

The Art of Nesting and Family

When it comes to breeding, the Pale Chanting Goshawk showcases its resourcefulness. These raptors build relatively small stick nests, often situated in trees, at heights ranging from 2 to 12 meters.

To create a cozy environment for their eggs, they line their nests with a variety of materials, including animal fur, dry dung, Cape Penduline Tit nests, man-made cloth, and even silk nests from Social Spiders.

Females lay one to three chalky white, unmarked eggs. Incubation duties fall primarily on the female, who diligently tends to the eggs. The resulting chicks usually number one, although nests raising two chicks are not uncommon. The breeding cycle commences in midwinter and stretches over 115 days.

Unique Breeding Approaches

A unique aspect of the Pale Chanting Goshawk's breeding behavior is the possibility of forming polyandrous trios, particularly in "broken veld" vegetation. In these cases, a female pairs with two males, with an alpha male and female receiving assistance from a beta male in raising their young.

This cooperative approach enhances nest defense and prey provisioning.

The Pale Chanting Goshawk's commitment to family extends to non-breeding individuals from previous broods, who may remain in their natal territory and become part of the breeding group.

Home in the Desert and Karoo

These remarkable raptors have made the arid regions of Southern Africa their home. Their habitat of choice includes dry semi-desert areas with open terrain and suitable perches for hunting.

While there's no evidence of migration, Pale Chanting Goshawks may engage in both short and long-distance movements, adapting to the ever-changing conditions of their surroundings.

In the Karoo, one breeding pair or family group typically occupies a territory spanning 4.4 to 8.6 square kilometers, showcasing their preference for vast landscapes. Around Windhoek, Namibia, one breeding pair lays claim to an area between 5.4 and 6.7 square kilometers.

Conservation and the Future

The Pale Chanting Goshawk may not be a direct focus of The Peregrine Fund's work, but our dedication to preserving raptors and their habitats indirectly benefits these magnificent birds.

By addressing issues such as the poisoning of carcasses used for predator control, we are working to safeguard a variety of wildlife, including Vultures, Eagles, and other scavenging birds. Together, these endeavors help protect the delicate balance of nature and ensure the Pale Chanting Goshawk continues to grace the open landscapes of Southern Africa.

Conclusion

The Pale Chanting Goshawk is a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the intricate relationships that bind ecosystems together. As we journey through the remarkable landscapes of southern Africa, we can appreciate these birds not only for their beauty but also for their role in the intricate tapestry of life in the desert.

The next time you find yourself in their territory, keep your eyes peeled for the elegant Pale Chanting Goshawk, and you may be treated to a melodious display of nature's wonder.

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

More Bird Stories

For more articles about birds you can click on the links below, there are so many great birds living amoungst us to discover and learn about as they play a major role in nature as we see it today.

Southern Ground Hornbill: Click Here

Secretary Bird: Click Here

Crucial Role of Birds Within Ecosystems: Click Here

African Ground Eagle: Click Here

Vultures: Click Here

African Fish Eagle: Click Here

The Roller Family: Click Here

The Kingfisher Family: Click Here

The Bee-Eater Family: Click Here

The Turaco Family: Click Here

A Day In The Life of Birds: Click Here

The Bateleur Eagle: Click Here