The Madagascar sparrowhawk is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
Region
Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen rainforests of the east and in some western and northern dry or transitional forests, favoring mature forest with nearby edges. It hunts along forest margins, clearings, rivers, and secondary growth where prey is concentrated. The species tolerates selectively logged areas and wooded plantations but declines where forest is heavily fragmented. Nesting typically occurs high in tall trees within intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A forest-dwelling raptor endemic to Madagascar, the Madagascar sparrowhawk is an agile ambush hunter that threads rapidly through dense foliage. Females are noticeably larger than males, a common trait among accipiters. It is threatened primarily by deforestation and fragmentation of Madagascar’s native forests.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season. Pairs build a stick platform high in forest trees and are presumed monogamous. Clutches are small, and both adults may attend the nest while the male often provides prey.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of sharp, high-pitched kik-kik or kek-kek notes, accelerating during displays. Alarm calls are harsher and more repeated near the nest.
Plumage
Adult upperparts are slate-grey with a paler nape; underparts are white to pale buff with fine rufous barring. The tail is banded and the throat usually clean whitish. Juveniles show browner upperparts and coarser streaking below.
Diet
Prey consists mainly of small birds, supplemented by lizards, frogs, small mammals, and large insects. It hunts from concealed perches, making sudden dashes through foliage or along edges to surprise prey. It may also pursue prey in short, fast chases beneath the canopy.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, riverine corridors, clearings, and semi-open secondary growth where prey is abundant. It also forages within the forest interior, using cover to approach prey closely.
