The gabar goshawk is a small species of African and Arabian bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
Found widely across savannas, open woodland, thornveld, and dry scrub, including acacia-dominated habitats. It favors edges, clearings, and riparian tree lines where perches overlook open ground. The species tolerates semi-arid environments and can occur near farms, villages, and parks. It generally avoids dense rainforest and true desert but occupies a broad mosaic of lightly wooded country.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small raptor shows striking color polymorphism, with a common pale gray morph and a darker sooty-black morph. It often hunts by sit-and-wait ambush from low perches, dashing rapidly to seize prey. Pairs frequently reuse old stick nests and may nest in thorny trees that offer good cover from predators.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift dashes; occasional flap-and-glide
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, maintaining small territories. Pairs build small stick nests in thorny trees and sometimes reuse or appropriate existing nests. Clutches are small, and both adults defend the nest and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched whistles and repeated kik-kik or klee-klee series, especially near the nest. Display calls may accelerate and become more insistent during territorial interactions.
