Polyboroides radiatus
The Madagascar Harrier-Hawk, Polyboroides radiatus, is a distinctive raptor endemic to the island of Madagascar, immediately recognizable by its unique foraging adaptations and striking appearance. Adults typically measure between 57-68 cm (22-27 in) in length with a wingspan of 116-128 cm (46-50 in) and weigh around 635-1030 g (1.4-2.3 lb). Their plumage is predominantly slate-grey on the upperparts, contrasting sharply with a white belly and finely barred flanks and undertail coverts. A key...
This versatile raptor inhabits a wide array of forested and wooded environments across Madagascar, from humid evergreen rainforests to dry deciduous forests, spiny thickets, and degraded woodlands. It can be found from sea level up to elevations of approximately 2,000 meters.
Its diet primarily consists of the eggs, nestlings, and adults of small birds, as well as tree-dwelling lizards, snakes, insects, and occasionally small mammals. Foraging is predominantly conducted by probing into cavities and crevices with its specialized legs.
The Madagascar Harrier-Hawk is a diurnal hunter, typically observed soaring gracefully or perched conspicuously on high vantage points. Its foraging strategy is highly specialized, relying on its uniquely flexible, double-jointed tarsus to probe into tree cavities, rock crevices, and abandoned ne...
The Madagascar Harrier-Hawk is endemic to the island of Madagascar, where it is widely distributed across almost all suitable habitats. Its breeding range covers the entire island, encompassing the humid evergreen forests of the east, the dry deciduous forests of the west, the central highlands, ...
Least Concern
- The Madagascar Harrier-Hawk possesses an extraordinary double-jointed tarsus, allowing its legs to bend both forwards and backwards at the knee-like joint, a unique adaptation for reaching into tight spaces. - This flexibility enables it to extract prey like bird eggs and nestlings from tree ca...