One of the most striking and charismatic raptors of the African deserts and open scrublands. With its elegant silver-gray plumage, bright orange-red legs and bill, and a piercing, melodic call that echoes across the landscape, this bird rules the skies — and the ground — with quiet, confident authority. Found across southern Africa, particularly in countries like Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, the pale chanting goshawk thrives in semi-arid savannas, thornveld, and open deserts, where its graceful flight and haunting voice has become part of the very spirit of the land.
Its body is dressed in smooth, pale gray feathers, while its belly is marked with fine barring. The legs and cere (the base of the bill) are brilliant coral-red, adding a dash of vivid color to its cool, polished look. In flight, the goshawk reveals a pattern of black and white on its wings and tail, making it unmistakable as it glides effortlessly over open country.
Despite being a raptor, the pale chanting goshawk is an incredible walker. Thanks to its long legs, it often chases prey on foot, running with surprising speed and agility across open ground to grab lizards, rodents, insects, or even young birds. It’s one of the few birds of prey that looks equally comfortable striding across the desert floor or soaring overhead.
True to its name, the pale chanting goshawk is famous for its musical calls, especially during the breeding season. Males rise into the sky in slow, looping circles, giving a rhythmic series of clear, flute-like whistles that carry beautifully across the desert air. These “chants” serve to declare territory, attract mates, and strengthen pair bonds, filling the early morning and evening with a soft, haunting melody that defines Africa’s arid heartlands.
Distribution
Angola
Botswana
Lesotho
Namibia
South Africa
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
