The dark chanting goshawk is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which is found across much of sub-Saharan Africa and southern Arabia, with an isolated and declining population in southern Morocco.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa and southern Arabia
Typical Environment
Widespread across dry savannas, open woodlands, and semi-arid thornbush from West to East and southern Africa, extending into southern Arabia, with a small and declining outpost in southern Morocco. It favors areas with scattered trees or shrubs that provide vantage perches and nesting sites. The species avoids dense closed-canopy forests and extremely barren deserts. It tolerates lightly cultivated landscapes and is frequently seen along roads and near waterholes. Nesting typically occurs in tall trees such as acacias within otherwise open country.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its far-carrying, rhythmic whistled calls given during display flights, the dark chanting goshawk is a conspicuous raptor of dry savannas. It often hunts from roadside posts or exposed perches, dropping swiftly on prey. Pairs defend territories year-round and reuse bulky stick nests in tall trees. It is adaptable to lightly modified landscapes, including farmland edges and thorn scrub.
M. m. metabates, The Gambia
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with steady, deliberate wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs that maintain year-round territories. Monogamous pairs build a stick nest high in a tree and often reuse and refurbish it across seasons. Clutches are small, usually one to two eggs, and the male provides much of the prey while the female incubates and broods.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, piping whistles delivered at measured intervals, often during display flights. Calls carry over long distances in open habitats and may be repeated persistently when proclaiming territory.
