Aerospiza castanilius
The Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk, *Aerospiza castanilius*, is a sleek and agile raptor inhabiting the dense forests of West and Central Africa. Measuring approximately 28-37 cm in length with a wingspan of 50-60 cm, this small to medium-sized sparrowhawk exhibits striking plumage. Adults display slate-grey upperparts, brilliant white underparts, and distinct chestnut rufous flanks and thighs, a key diagnostic field mark. Its piercing yellow eyes, dark bill, and bright yellow cere and legs fur...
This species primarily inhabits lowland and submontane rainforests, secondary forests, and forest edges, often favoring areas near water sources. It is typically found from sea level up to elevations of about 1,700 meters.
Its diet consists mainly of small forest birds (passerines), small mammals like rodents, and lizards, which it ambushes with rapid, agile flights through dense vegetation.
The Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk is a notoriously secretive and solitary raptor, often observed perched inconspicuously within the dense forest canopy. It employs a classic "perch-and-pounce" hunting strategy, waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by before launching a swift, agile attack through...
The Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk is a resident species distributed across the lowland rainforest belt of West and Central Africa. Its range extends from Sierra Leone and Guinea eastward through Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, continuing into Cameroon, Central African Repu...
Least Concern
- The Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk was recently reclassified from the genus *Accipiter* to *Aerospiza*, reflecting deeper evolutionary distinctions from many other "true" sparrowhawks. - Despite its broad distribution across West and Central Africa, it is considered one of the most elusive and le...