African Goshawk (White-rumped Goshawk) – Characteristics, Distribution and Habitat

Singing Buzzard (Melierax metabates) – Profile

The Singing Buzzard (Melierax metabates), also known as the Pale Chanting Goshawk, is a bird of prey from the Accipitridae family. It is widespread across large parts of Africa south of the Sahara and inhabits various environments, from dry savannas to open woodlands.

Features

The Singing Buzzard reaches a body length of about 40 to 50 centimeters. Characteristic features include:

• Plumage: Grey-brown upperparts, pale underparts with fine dark barring. The namesake white rump is clearly visible in flight.
• Beak: Dark grey with a yellow cere.
• Eyes: Red iris, which is yellowish in juvenile birds.
• Wings: Broad and rounded, allowing agile flight maneuvers in dense vegetation.
• Calls: Melodic, fluting sounds reminiscent of songbirds, giving the bird its name.

Distribution and Habitat

The Singing Buzzard is native to the following regions of Africa:

• West Africa (e.g., Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria)
• Central Africa (e.g., Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon)
• East Africa (e.g., Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda)
• Southern Africa (e.g., South Africa, Botswana, Namibia)

It prefers open to semi-open landscapes such as:

• Dry and thorn savannas
• Open Acacia and Miombo woodlands
• Gallery forests along rivers
• Cultural landscapes with scattered tree groups

The bird is adaptable and can also be found in human-dominated areas, provided there are sufficient perches and food sources.

Behavior and Diet

The Singing Buzzard is a perch hunter that scans for prey from elevated perches. Its diet mainly consists of:

• Small mammals (e.g., rodents, small hares)
• Reptiles (e.g., lizards, snakes)
• Large insects (e.g., grasshoppers, beetles)
• Occasionally small birds

After hunting, prey is usually consumed on a branch. The species is known for its vocal nature, especially during the breeding season, when birds mark their territory with loud, melodic calls.

Breeding and Reproduction

The breeding season varies by region:

• In West Africa often during the rainy season (May–July)
• In East Africa year-round, with a peak in the dry months

The nest is built in tree crowns, usually at heights of 5 to 15 meters, using twigs and dry grass. A clutch consists of 1 to 3 eggs, which are incubated for about 35 to 38 days. The fledglings leave the nest after about 6 to 7 weeks.

Species Conservation and Threats

The Singing Buzzard is currently considered not threatened (IUCN Red List: Least Concern). However, local populations may be affected by the following factors:

• Habitat loss due to deforestation and agriculture
• Poisoning from pesticides
• Disturbances at breeding sites

In some regions, the bird is used as an indicator of intact ecosystems, as it shows high adaptability to changing habitats.

Observation Tips

The Singing Buzzard is best observed in the following protected areas and national parks:

• Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
• Etosha National Park (Namibia)
• Kruger National Park (South Africa)
• W-Arly-Pendjari Complex (Burkina Faso, Niger, Benin)

Recommended observation times are early morning and late afternoon, when the birds are actively foraging. A pair of binoculars with 8x42 or 10x42 magnification is ideal for field observation.

Conclusion

The Singing Buzzard (Pale Chanting Goshawk) is a fascinating bird of prey, notable for its adaptability and characteristic calls. Its presence in diverse habitats makes it an important part of African ecosystems. For birdwatchers, it offers a rewarding opportunity to observe one of Africa’s most melodic birds of prey in the wild.