Ovambo Sparrowhawk
Size, plumage, and special adaptations of the Ovambo Sparrowhawk: Why long legs and red eyes are important for this African bird of prey.
Appearance
However, this mainly depends on the gender, as the female usually becomes larger and heavier than the male animals. A special feature of the Ovambo sparrowhawk's shape is that it has long legs and toes. This enables it to have a good view even from a not so high tree. Furthermore, the plumage should be mentioned, which is light brown to sandy brown, with the tips of the wings usually marked in black. Another special feature of this bird is the red eyes, which give it good vision. Finally, it should be mentioned that this sparrowhawk has an unmistakable cry.
Behavior
What is the behavior and habitat of the Ovambo sparrowhawk? Above all, the bird is native south of the Sahara and occurs from Angola via Botswana and Cameroon, also in the Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia, to name just a few countries. Among other things, dry savannas or flat regions are inhabited here. But these birds are also native to subtropical and tropical regions (Central Africa). As humans increasingly encroach on the habitat of Ovambo sparrowhawks, they can also be found in plantations or agriculturally used plots of land.
Habitat
The sparrowhawk does not have a fixed territory, but always moves around, especially when the weather deteriorates or prey is scarce. Ovambo sparrowhawks are often seen in pairs, which together take care of the young animals and hunting. Outside the mating season, however, the animals are rather loners that sit in ambush during the day and look for prey they can hunt.
