Birdsong field guide
Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk
Aerospiza castanilius
A small, elusive forest raptor characterized by its striking barred underparts and vibrant rufous patches along its flanks.
What it sounds like
A high-pitched, rapid series of staccato 'kew-kew-kew' or 'kiek-kiek-kiek' notes.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- It is distinguished from the similar African Goshawk by three prominent white spots on its central tail feathers.
- The species was recently taxonomically reassigned from the genus Accipiter to Aerospiza based on molecular phylogenetic studies.
- Primarily an ambush hunter, it specializes in capturing small birds and large insects within the dense forest understory.
- Sexual dimorphism is present, with females being significantly larger and heavier than their male counterparts.
- Juveniles lack the namesake chestnut flanks, instead exhibiting brownish upperparts and large teardrop-shaped spots on their underparts.
Habitat
Primary lowland tropical rainforest, dense gallery forests, and occasionally mature secondary growth.
Range
West and Central Africa, ranging from southern Nigeria and Cameroon through the Congo Basin to Gabon.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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