Birdsong field guide
African Goshawk
Aerospiza tachiro
A medium-sized, secretive raptor of African woodlands known for its distinctive rhythmic aerial displays at dawn. It is a versatile hunter characterized by significant sexual dimorphism and a broad diet.
What it sounds like
A sharp, metallic, and repetitive 'whit' or 'click' sound uttered every few seconds during flight.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- Males perform a conspicuous high-circle display flight at sunrise, emitting a rhythmic metallic clicking sound.
- The species shows extreme reverse sexual dimorphism, with females weighing up to 500g while males average around 230g.
- Recent taxonomic revisions moved this species from the genus Accipiter to Aerospiza.
- They are highly adaptable predators, capable of hunting everything from small birds and bats to chameleons and large insects.
- Despite their secretive nature, they have successfully colonized well-wooded suburban gardens in Southern Africa.
Habitat
Afromontane and lowland forests, dense woodlands, riverine thickets, and mature suburban plantations.
Range
Widespread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, from Sierra Leone east to Ethiopia and south to the Cape.
Similar & commonly confused birds
Heard a African Goshawk?
Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.
Identify a bird by its song