The black sparrowhawk, sometimes known as the black goshawk or great sparrowhawk, is a bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. It was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter. It occurs mainly in forest and non-desert areas south of the Sahara, particularly where there are large trees suitable for nesting; favored habitat includes suburban and human-altered landscapes. It preys predominantly on birds of moderate size, such as pigeons and doves, in suburban areas.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely south of the Sahara in forests, woodland edges, riparian corridors, plantations, and suburban areas with large trees for nesting. It avoids true desert and treeless expanses but readily uses human-altered habitats where prey is abundant. In southern Africa it has expanded into towns and cities, nesting in mature ornamental trees. It hunts along ecotones, in gardens, and over parklands, using cover to ambush prey.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the black goshawk or great sparrowhawk, it is the largest African Accipiter and shows striking plumage polymorphism with dark and pale morphs. It has adapted well to suburban landscapes, especially in parts of South Africa, where abundant pigeons and doves provide reliable prey. Females are notably larger than males, a common pattern among raptors.
A dark morph black sparrowhawk in flight
A subadult black sparrowhawk
Black sparrowhawk nestling at about 3-4 weeks old
Accipiter melanoleucus - MHNT
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, low glides through cover
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs that defend nesting territories in tall trees, often reusing or refurbishing previous nests. The female does most of the incubation while the male provides prey. Young remain near the nest area for weeks after fledging, begging vocally from perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, repeated kek-kek or kak-kak calls, especially around the nest. Alarm and contact calls are rapid and high-pitched, carrying well through woodland.
