Long-tailed Hawk
NameLong-tailed Hawk
Common NameLong-tailed Hawk
Scientific NameUrotriorchis macrourus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)80
Length (cm)57
Weight (g)600
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark grey head and nape, with dark rufous-chestnut upperparts and underparts. The vent and thighs are white, and the very long tail is distinctly banded with broad black and white bars. The cere and legs are yellow, and the eyes are dark.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a high-pitched, rapid 'kew-kew-kew' or 'ki-ki-ki' series, often given in flight or when perched.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone east through Nigeria and Cameroon to Uganda, and south into Angola.
Identifying Featuresexceptionally long, banded tail, rufous-chestnut body plumage, dark grey head, yellow cere and legs, agile flight within forest canopy
Description
The Long-tailed Hawk is a medium-sized raptor characterized by its exceptionally long, banded tail and striking rufous underparts. It is an agile hunter of the forest canopy, primarily preying on birds.
