The eastern (pale) chanting goshawk, or Somali chanting goshawk, is a bird of prey of East Africa.
Region
Horn of Africa and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Somalia and Djibouti through eastern Ethiopia and into eastern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Prefers open, arid to semi-arid habitats including Acacia–Commiphora bushland, thorn scrub, and lightly wooded savannas. It also occupies semi-desert, dry plains, and pastoral lands with scattered trees or telephone poles for perching. Often found near tracks and sparsely settled areas where prey is abundant. Uses both natural and man-made perches to scan for prey across open terrain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Somali chanting goshawk, this raptor is noted for its clear, whistled “chanting” calls delivered from perches or while soaring. It often hunts from exposed posts and will run down prey on the ground with surprising speed. Adults show striking orange-red legs and cere, a key field mark. It is generally tolerant of arid, open habitats and is frequently seen around thorn scrub and semi-desert.
In Tsavo East National Park, Kenya
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with steady flap-and-glide
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in territorial pairs. Pairs build a stick nest in thorn trees, often Acacia, and lay one to two eggs. They display with circling flights and vocal duets during the breeding season. Young remain near the territory for some time after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, fluty whistles delivered in rhythmic sequences, giving a ‘chanting’ effect. Calls are often given from prominent perches or during display flights, carrying well over open country.
Plumage
Adults are pale grey above with paler grey to whitish underparts showing fine barring on the breast and flanks; tail is dark with bold white barring and a narrow white tip. Juveniles are brown above with streaked underparts and duller soft-part colors.
Diet
Takes reptiles (especially lizards and small snakes), small mammals, birds, and large insects. Hunts from exposed perches, dropping to the ground to seize prey, and will pursue on foot when necessary. Occasionally scavenges and may take nestlings or eggs when opportunities arise.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open scrub, bushland edges, and semi-desert plains with scattered trees or poles. Often patrols along tracks and the perimeters of grazed areas where prey is more visible.
