Pale chanting goshawk

A flag moment in the life of the pale chanting goshawk; wings fully stretched, it stands upon a tall perch in the Addo. Much in shades of grey, the feathery garb becomes, although lacking strong contrast against a dull sky. A wingspan of about 1,1 m allows the bird to cut a fine figure for the camera.

Well-known in the west of southern Africa, the pale chanting goshawk shuns the higher rainfall south and east coasts, preferring the drier, also semi-desert parts. Its domain may well increase given recent weather patterns.

Besides paleness, the name indicates a melodious singing voice: a string of short piping notes is repeated, increasing both in pitch and volume before the final diminuendo. Performances are given in flight as well as perched, the concerts free. The season peaks at first light during times of breeding.

This goshawk’s diet includes smaller birds, snakes and other reptiles, hares and road kill; a little different from what one would expect from an artist.

Living alone or in pairs, one or two white to greenish white eggs are laid that hatch in 36 to 38 days (Maclean, 1993).