Gaber goshawk

Introduction: Gaber goshawks (Melierax gabar) can be found in Namibian indigenous woodland such as dry, open Acacia woodland and mopane tree woodland. Observed singly, in pairs or less often in small family groups, they perch within the tree canopy, leaving their roosting posts in the early morning.

Distribution: Widespread in Namibia including Etosha National Park, Epupa Falls, Windhoek and the Kalahari Desert.

Diet: Eats mainly birds including doves, pipits, weavers, francolins, kingfishers and sparrows. Specializes in taking nestlings. Sometimes takes squirrels, shrews, bats, lizards, snakes and insects. Catches small prey in bill and larger food is captured with the feet and stamped to death.

Description: Large raptor with slate grey coloured head and upper parts. Other features include short, blunt claws on shortish toes, dark red-brown eyes and red feet and legs.

Breeding: Between 2 and 4 eggs are laid between July and December with an incubation period of around 35 days.

Size: 35cm.

Weight: 195g.

Wingspan: 60cm.