The bat hawk is a raptor found in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia to New Guinea. It is named for its diet, which consists mainly of bats. It requires open space in which to hunt, but will live anywhere from dense rainforest to semi-arid veld.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia to New Guinea
Typical Environment
Found from savannas and forest edges to riverine woodland and clearings near rainforest, wherever open airspace allows aerial hunting. It often occurs near caves, cliffs, large trees, or buildings that host bat colonies. The species tolerates lightly settled areas and may hunt over villages and along roads where bats and swifts forage. Nesting typically occurs in tall trees near wetlands or forest margins.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bat hawk is a crepuscular raptor specialized for catching bats on the wing, often at the very moment they emerge from roosts. It has an exceptionally large gape that allows it to swallow prey in flight, and its long, falcon-like wings give it superb agility. Although widespread across tropical Africa and Asia to New Guinea, it can be locally uncommon and tied to areas with abundant bat colonies.
Illustration of M. alcinus
Temperament
solitary and crepuscular
Flight Pattern
fast and agile with rapid wingbeats, falcon-like
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but multiple individuals may gather near large bat roosts at dusk. Pairs are likely monogamous and nest high in trees, building a stick nest that may be reused. They defend the nest area but are otherwise unobtrusive during the day.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet; most vocal near the nest with sharp calls and whistles. During hunting periods it remains mostly silent, relying on stealth and speed.
