Frances's sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey. This species was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter. The nominate subspecies, T. f. francesiae, is endemic to Madagascar, and the other subspecies are found in the Comoro Islands. The Anjouan sparrowhawk, also known as the Anjouan Island sparrowhawk, Ndzuwani goshawk or Joanna Island goshawk, was thought to be extinct until searches in the 1980s and in 2005 confirmed that it is still extant.
Region
Western Indian Ocean (Madagascar and Comoro Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen rainforest, humid and dry deciduous forest, gallery forest, and secondary growth, and it often hunts along forest edges and in plantations. It tolerates some habitat fragmentation and will use wooded farmlands and gardens near forest. It favors dense cover for ambush but also perches along clearings to scan for prey. On smaller islands, it is largely tied to remaining forested uplands and ravines.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Frances's sparrowhawk is a small forest raptor of Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Some authorities now place it outside Accipiter (e.g., Tachyspiza), but it is still widely listed as Accipiter francesiae. Several island forms are very localized; the Anjouan sparrowhawk subspecies was once feared extinct but was rediscovered, highlighting the species’ sensitivity to habitat loss.
Illustration of the Anjouan subspecies from 1864
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides through cover
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs and strongly territorial in the breeding season. Builds a stick nest high in a tree; the clutch is small and both adults defend the nest. Courtship includes display flights and vocal duets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, high-pitched kik-kik-kik and rapid chattering calls, especially near the nest. During displays it may emit a series of accelerating whistles or repeated squeals.
