Ayres's hawk-eagle, or Ayres' eagle, is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is native to African woodlands. Its name honours South African ornithologist Thomas Ayres.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from West and Central Africa through East Africa to southern Africa, favoring well-wooded habitats. It is closely associated with riparian forest, miombo and mopane woodland, and mature savanna with tall trees. The species often works along forest edges and gallery forests where open sight lines meet cover. In southern Africa it is most frequent along major river systems and in older woodland blocks. Local movements follow rainfall and prey availability, producing seasonal appearances in some areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Ayres's hawk-eagle, also called Ayres' eagle, is a small to medium woodland raptor renowned for its agile, fast flight through trees. It primarily hunts other birds in mid-air, often surprising prey along forest edges and riverine corridors. The species honors South African ornithologist Thomas Ayres and occurs patchily across sub-Saharan Africa.
The adult Ayres's hawk-eagle is richly bicolored, having a nearly piebald look with extensive dark speckling on the underbody.
Juvenile in flight
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
agile flier with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or as a territorial pair. Nests high in large trees, constructing a stick platform and typically laying a small clutch, often a single egg. Pairs are monogamous, with aerial displays over the territory; the male frequently provides prey during incubation and early chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet, but gives sharp, high-pitched whistles and piercing calls during display or near the nest. Vocalizations are most frequent in breeding season and when birds interact over territory.
Plumage
Dark brown upperparts with white underparts heavily streaked dark along the breast and belly; tail is broadly barred. Underwings show contrasting pale coverts with darker flight feathers, giving a barred appearance. A small, sometimes raised crest and a pale throat are often visible. Juveniles are paler below with sparser streaking.
Diet
Specializes in hunting small to medium birds, such as doves, pigeons, rollers, turacos, and starlings, taken in swift pursuits through and above the canopy. Will also take bats, small mammals, lizards, and large insects opportunistically. Hunts by contouring along forest edges and ambushing from concealed perches.
Preferred Environment
Forages along woodland edges, riverine forests, and clearings where cover meets open airspace. Often uses tall trees for vantage perches and launches surprise attacks into the canopy or across gaps.
