Black Sparrowhawk

Identification

The Black Sparrowhawk is one of the world's largest hawks, distinguished by two striking colour morphs. The "white morph"—predominant across most of the range—displays predominantly black plumage with a white throat, breast and belly. The rarer "black morph" is largely dark, though typically retains some white spots on the breast or a variable white throat. Both morphs show white and black barring on the underside of the wings and tail in flight, with cross-barred tails featuring about three to four paler stripes. Legs are yellow with notably large feet and talons. Females are noticeably larger than males, though plumage differences between sexes are negligible. Juveniles appear brown with russet tones, dark streaks, and light spots, gradually developing red eyes as they mature from their grey juvenile colouration.

Range & Habitat

Black Sparrowhawks occur throughout sub-Saharan Africa, with two recognised subspecies: A. m. temminckii across the northwestern regions from Liberia to Angola, and A. m. melanoleucus from Sudan and Ethiopia southward to South Africa. The species favours forest and non-desert areas, particularly where large trees suitable for nesting are available. Suburban and human-altered landscapes are increasingly important to the species. A notable concentration occurs on the Cape Peninsula in southwestern South Africa, where dark morphs comprise 80% of the population—an unusual pattern that declines to under 20% in the northeast, reflecting adaptations to local parasites and light conditions.

Behaviour & Diet

Black Sparrowhawks prey predominantly on birds of moderate size, particularly pigeons and doves in suburban areas. Despite their adaptations for flying through dense arboreal habitats—reflected in their long tails and tarsi—they conduct most hunting from concealed perches in trees, often in open areas. The two colour morphs exhibit fascinating ecological differences: dark morphs demonstrate superior hunting success in lower light conditions and possess improved blood parasite resistance, while white morphs are more effective hunters in brighter conditions. These advantages suggest different crypsis levels at varying light intensities, allowing both morphs to coexist within shared ranges.

Best Time & Places to See It

Black Sparrowhawks are relatively widespread and common throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Densities vary considerably by location, ranging from one pair per 13 square kilometres in Kenya to one pair per 38–150 square kilometres in South Africa. The Cape Peninsula offers exceptional viewing opportunities, where nests are typically only 500 metres apart within pine plantations and continuous tree belts, making this southwestern corner of South Africa a particularly rewarding destination for encountering the species, especially the distinctive dark morph.

Photography Tips

Photographing Black Sparrowhawks requires patience and attention to perching behaviour, as they hunt from concealed positions in trees. Look for perched birds scanning open areas for prey. The species' large size and contrasting plumage—particularly in white morphs—offer excellent photographic subjects. Capture both perched and in-flight shots to showcase the diagnostic white and black barring visible on underwing and tail feathers. On the Cape Peninsula, where dark morphs dominate, photographers should seek mixed-pair families, which offer variety in composition. Lighting conditions favour different morphs; exploit this by photographing white morphs in bright conditions and dark morphs during overcast periods or low-light hours.