Gabar Goshawk
The Gabar Goshawk occurs mainly in two different colour morphs (colour forms), which depend primarily on the habitat. The plumage colour ranges from darker brown through light brown to white.
Appearance
There are two main color morphs of the Gabar goshawk, which primarily depend on the habitat. The color of the plumage ranges from darker brown to light brown and even white. The vertical bars on the chest, which create a wave pattern, are particularly striking.
Behavior
What is the behavior of the Gabar goshawk and where is its preferred habitat? The goshawk can be found throughout East, Central, and Southern Africa. Generally, forests that provide good protection are preferred. However, a forest is also advantageous for hunting, as there are many prey animals. Although the goshawk can also be found in semi-arid deserts, it is only near bodies of water that have trees. As humans continue to spread, it is not uncommon to find this bird in cities and villages.
Diet
The diet of the Gabar goshawk includes small birds, which it observes from a high tree before striking at the right moment. However, the goshawk is also a nest predator, attacking both adult animals and juveniles. Furthermore, this bird also feeds on mammals or reptiles, particularly snakes, lizards, and shrews. The Gabar goshawk pursues its prey over long distances until it can finally strike. Its sharp eyes, which can detect even the slightest movement of animals, even if they blend into their surroundings through camouflage, are of great advantage.
