Melierax – Chanting goshawks

These medium-to-large birds of prey are famous not just for their sharp talons and keen hunting skills, but for their unusual habit of singing — a rare and captivating trait among raptors. The name Melierax itself means “singing hawk,” and it suits them perfectly. Their distinctive melodic calls, often delivered in flight or from a high perch, echo hauntingly over dry plains and scrublands, adding a vibrant soundtrack to the African wilderness.

The genus includes three main species: the pale chanting goshawk (Melierax canorus), the eastern chanting goshawk (Melierax poliopterus), and the dark chanting goshawk (Melierax metabates). Despite their differences in shading and range, all share a sleek, powerful silhouette: a relatively slender body, long legs perfect for running down prey, and broad wings for soaring across the sky. Their plumage is typically a combination of soft grays, whites, and darker bars, giving them a polished, knightly appearance — birds that look as regal as they sound.

Their singing behavior is most prominent during the early morning and late afternoon, especially during the breeding season. Males often perform slow, circling display flights, calling rhythmically to attract mates or declare territory. Their calls are a series of clear, piping whistles that rise and fall in a lilting pattern — musical and eerie at the same time, a sound that sets the chanting goshawks apart from almost every other bird of prey.

Pale chanting goshawks are known to team up with other animals during hunting! They have been seen following honey badgers, jackals, and even humans, snatching up prey flushed out by the larger creatures — a clever strategy that shows just how adaptable and observant these raptors are.