Discovering the Dark Chanting Goshawk
In the vast expanses of sub - Saharan Africa and the arid stretches of southern Arabia, a distinctive avian figure emerges with a presence that commands attention - the Dark Chanting Goshawk (Melierax metabates).
This bird, belonging to the proud family of Accipitridae, navigates a realm that stretches from the warm hues of Senegal to the rugged landscapes of Ethiopia, and from the secluded territories of southern Morocco to the serene wilderness of South Africa.
Yet, amidst its widespread domain, the Dark Chanting Goshawk remains a symbol of the wild's untamed essence, a testament to nature's enduring majesty.
A Closer Look at Its Majesty
Admiring the Dark Chanting Goshawk, one can't help but be captivated by its medium size yet imposing presence. With an upright stance that speaks of vigilance, this Hawk is cloaked in shades of dark grey that blend seamlessly with the savannas palette.
Its underparts, a striking contrast of white barred delicately with black, and the unmistakable black primaries of its wings, paint a picture of elegance and strength.
Not to be overlooked are the tail's broad bars of black and white, alongside the cere and long legs adorned in orange - red - a splash of color in its otherwise monochrome attire.
Distinguishing between the sexes reveals the subtle nuances of nature's design: the female, slightly larger, tips the scales at up to 840 g, while the male, not far behind, boasts a weight of up to 700 g.
Juveniles, with their browner plumage, may remind one of a Buzzard at first glance, yet their silhouette - broad - winged and long - tailed - hints at their true lineage.
The Voice of the Wilderness
True to its name, the Dark Chanting Goshawk carries a melody that resonates across the plains, a series of piping notes and fluty whistles that rise in a crescendo, evoking the spirit of the wild.
This vocal display, more subdued compared to its congeners, becomes a symphony of sounds during the breeding season, a chorus that underscores the cycle of life in the wilderness.
A Glimpse into Its World
Spanning a vast range, the Dark Chanting Goshawk thrives in the savannas and open woodlands, where the mixed bushveld and broad - leafed woodlands offer a backdrop for its existence.
Here, amidst the Miombo, Mopane, and Marula trees, it finds solace and sustenance. The bird's diet is as varied as the landscape it inhabits, hunting a plethora of animals from its vantage point, embodying the essence of a predator at the apex of its game.
Yet, life for the Dark Chanting Goshawk is not without its trials. While it is a figure of resilience, two of its isolated subspecies face challenges that threaten their very survival, victims to the relentless march of deforestation and human encroachment.
The southern Moroccan and Arabian Peninsula populations stand on the brink, a stark reminder of the delicate balance that governs our natural world.
A Symphony of Survival
The Dark Chanting Goshawk's life is a testament to the intricate dance of nature, from the courtship displays that weave the bonds of life to the meticulous construction of nests that cradle the future.
In the vastness of its realm, from the flourishing landscapes of Gabon to the rugged terrains of Namibia, this raptor stands as a guardian of the wilderness, a creature of beauty and power that captures the heart of those who wander into its domain.
Conclusion
As we delve into the world of the Dark Chanting Goshawk, we are reminded of the wonders that lie in the heart of nature, a realm where every creature plays a role in the grand tapestry of life.
In the chant of the Goshawk, we find a melody that echoes the wild's call, a reminder of the beauty and fragility that exists within our world, urging us to listen, to respect, and to protect.
About The Author
Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.
Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.
To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography
More Bird Stories
For more articles about birds you can click on the links below, there are so many great birds living amongst us to discover and learn about as they play a major role in nature as we see it today.
Southern Ground Hornbill: Click Here
Secretary Bird: Click Here
Crucial Role of Birds Within Ecosystems: Click Here
African Ground Eagle: Click Here
Vultures: Click Here
African Fish Eagle: Click Here
The Roller Family: Click Here
The Kingfisher Family: Click Here
The Bee - Eater Family: Click Here
The Turaco Family: Click Here
A Day In The Life of Birds: Click Here
The Bateleur Eagle: Click Here
Spotted Eagle - Owl: Click Here
Martial Eagle: Click Here
Tawny Eagle: Click Here
Blue Crane: Click Here
Flamingos: Click Here
The Big 6: Click Here
Wahlbergs Eagle: Click Here
Grey Heron: Click Here
Narina Trogon: Click Here
Pale Chanting Goshawk: Click Here
Scops Owl: Click Here
Grey Headed Gull: Click Here
Red - Billed Oxpecker: Click Here
Greater Crested Tern: Click Here
Village Weaver: Click Here
Yellow - Billed Kite: Click Here
Yellow - Billed Stork: Click Here
Water Thick - Knee: Click Here
Spectacled Weaver: Click Here
Lesser Masked Weaver: Click Here
African Wood Owl: Click Here
Three Banded Plover: Click Here
Burchell's Coucal: Click Here
Yellow - Billed Oxpecker: Click Here
Fiscal Shrike: Click Here
Knob - Billed Duck: Click Here
Pin - Tailed Whydah: Click Here
Grey - Headed Bushshrike: Click Here
African Mourning Dove: Click Here
Glossy Ibis: Click Here
Black Chested Snake Eagle: Click Here
Trumpeter Hornbill: Click Here
Brown Snake Eagle: Click Here
Crowned Hornbill: Click Here
Southern Banded Snake Eagle: Click Here
Southern Masked Weaver: Click Here
African Cuckoo Hawk: Click Here
African Stonechat: Click Here
Marsh Owl: Click Here
African Pygmy Kingfisher: Click Here
Striped Kingfisher: Click Here
Whimbrel: Click Here
Cape Weaver: Click Here
Pied Kingfisher: Click Here
Malachite Kingfisher: Click Here
Yellow Weaver: Click Here
Marsh Harrier: Click Here
Helmeted Guineafowl: Click Here
Grey Go - Away - Bird: Click Here
Kori Bustard: Click Here
Pink - Throated Twinspot: Click Here
Scarlet Chested Sunbird: Click Here
Ruff: Click Here
White - Backed Vulture: Click Here
Yellow Throated Longclaw: Click Here
White - Crested Helmetshrike: Click Here
African Darter: Click Here
Pied Avocet: Click Here
Indian Peafowl: Click Here
Rufous Naped Lark: Click Here
Blue Cheeked Bee - Eater: Click Here
African Harrier - Hawk: Click Here
Speckled Pigeon: Click Here
African Jacana: Click Here
Woodward's Batis: Click Here
Black - Bellied Bustard: Click Here
Denham's Bustard: Click Here
Brown - Hooded Kingfisher: Click Here
Eastern Nicator: Click Here
Spur - Winged Goose: Click Here
White - Eared Barbet: Click Here
Common Buzzard: Click Here
Wooly - Neck Stork: Click Here
White - Throated Robin Chat: Click Here
Speckled Mousebird: Click Here
White - Fronted Plover: Click Here
Rufous - Bellied Heron: Click Here
Squacco Heron: Click Here
Red - Backed Shrike: Click Here
Red - Capped Robin - Chat: Click Here
Cape Longclaw: Click Here
Red - Billed Teal: Click Here
African Pygmy Goose: Click Here
Reed Cormorant: Click Here
Black - Throated Canary: Click Here
Sanderling: Click Here
Arrow - Marked Babbler: Click Here
Temminck's Courser: Click Here
Blue - Mantled Crested Flycatcher: Click Here
Hooded Vulture: Click Here
Lanner Falcon: Click Here
Jackal Buzzard: Click Here
Black - Headed Heron: Click Here
Dark - Capped Bulbul: Click Here
Zitting Cisticola: Click Here
Crested Guineafowl: Click Here
Brimstone Canary: Click Here
Gorgeous Bushshrike: Click Here
Green - Winged Pytilia: Click Here
Broad - Billed Roller: Click Here
Laughing Dove: Click Here
Cape Bunting: Click Here
Yellow - Rumped Tinkerbird: Click Here
Crested Francolin: Click Here
Kelp Gull: Click Here
African Openbill: Click Here
Great Egret: Click Here
Sooty Tern: Click Here
Collared Pratincole: Click Here
Southern Brown - Throated Weaver: Click Here
African Spoonbill: Click Here
African Dusky Flycatcher: Click Here
African Green Pigeon: Click Here
Bar - Throated Apalis: Click Here
Rosy - Throated Longclaw: Click Here
Great White Pelican: Click Here
White - Backed Duck: Click Here
Golden Pipit: Click Here
Sabota Lark: Click Here
Namaqua Dove: Click Here
Red - Eyed Dove: Click Here
Mocking Cliff Chat: Click Here
Yellow - Breasted Apalis: Click Here
Crowned Lapwing: Click Here
Fiscal Flycatcher: Click Here
Black Stork: Click Here
Hamerkop: Click Here
Common Ostrich: Click Here
Southern Carmine Bee - Eater: Click Here
Bennett's Woodpecker: Click Here
Saddle - Billed Stork: Click Here
Spotted Thick - Knee: Click Here
Swainson's Spurfowl: Click Here
Woodlands Kingfisher: Click Here
White - Browed Sparrow - Weaver: Click Here
White - Fronted Bee - Eater: Click Here
Southern Red - Billed Hornbill: Click Here
Hadeda Ibis: Click Here
Black - Collared Barbet: Click Here
Egyptian Goose: Click Here
African Paradise Flycatcher: Click Here
Southern Black Flycatcher: Click Here
Wood Sandpiper: Click Here
African Grey Hornbill: Click Here
Southern White - Faced Scops Owl: Click Here
Marabou Stork: Click Here
European Bee - Eater: Click Here
White - Bellied Sunbird: Click Here
Kurrichane Thrush: Click Here
White - Browed Robin - Chat: Click Here
Lilac - Breasted Roller: Click Here
Natal Spurfowl: Click Here
Diederik Cuckoo: Click Here
Green Wood Hoopoe: Click Here
Comments, Suggestions, Stories
Please do feel free to add any comments in our comments section below, we always love to hear about great birds and experiences from our readers.
