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.
Plumage
Pale morph with smooth gray upperparts and finely barred white underparts; dark morph largely sooty-black with minimal barring. Tail shows subtle bands; flight feathers appear darker. Juveniles are browner with heavier streaking and barring.
Diet
Feeds on small birds, lizards, small mammals, and large insects such as grasshoppers and beetles. Hunts primarily by perching quietly and making rapid surprise attacks. It may also pursue prey with short agile chases through bushes or along edges and will take nestlings when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages along woodland edges, thorn scrub, riparian corridors, and scattered trees in savanna. Often uses low to mid-level perches that provide a clear view of open patches and paths of approach.
