Accipiter madagascariensis
The Madagascar Sparrowhawk, Accipiter madagascariensis, is a captivating and elusive raptor endemic to the island of Madagascar, embodying the classic 'true sparrowhawk' morphology. A relatively small accipiter, it measures typically 29-42 cm in length with a wingspan of 50-65 cm and weighs 100-240 g, with females notably larger and heavier than males, a common trait of sexual dimorphism in raptors. Adults exhibit striking dark slate-grey upperparts, sometimes appearing almost black, with a w...
Primarily found in humid evergreen and deciduous forests, including degraded forest patches, from sea level up to elevations of approximately 2,000 meters.
Feeds primarily on small to medium-sized birds, which it snatches in swift, acrobatic pursuits through the forest, supplemented by large insects, lizards, and small mammals.
The Madagascar Sparrowhawk is a diurnal and highly secretive raptor, spending most of its time hidden within dense forest canopy. Its primary foraging strategy involves 'perch-hunting,' where it waits silently on a concealed branch for unsuspecting prey to pass by, then launches into a swift, agi...
The Madagascar Sparrowhawk is strictly endemic to the island of Madagascar, where it is distributed across various forest types from coastal lowlands to mid-elevation highlands. It can be found in both humid evergreen forests along the eastern seaboard and dry deciduous forests in the west, demon...
Near Threatened
- The Madagascar Sparrowhawk is an 'endemic' species, meaning it is found nowhere else on Earth except Madagascar. - Despite its fierce appearance, it is a relatively small raptor, with females being significantly larger than males, a phenomenon known as reverse sexual dimorphism. - Its short, ro...