Bird Guide

Gabar Goshawk vs Martial Eagle

Gabar Goshawk (Micronisus gabar)

Gabar Goshawk

Micronisus gabar

Medium170 gGrassland

The gabar goshawk is polymorphic and occurs in two distinct forms which fluctuate in relative abundance across the geographic range of the species. The more frequent, paler form has mostly grey upperparts with a conspicuous, white rump and white and grey barring on the chest, thighs and underwings, and a dark grey, barred tail. In contrast, the less frequent form, which accounts on average for approximately 25 percent of the overall population, is almost completely black. In both forms of adult the eyes are dark, and the legs are long and the cere is red.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Gabar Goshawk
Recorded by Anne Ndung'u · Call · Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: christiaan_viljoen · CC BY 4.0
Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus)

Martial Eagle

Polemaetus bellicosus

Huge4.0 kgGrassland

The martial eagle is a very large eagle. In total length, it can range from 78 to 96 cm (31 to 38 in), with an average of approximately 85.5 cm (33.7 in). Its total length – in comparison to its wingspan – is restricted by its relatively short tail. Nonetheless, it appears to be the sixth or seventh longest extant eagle species. The wingspan of martial eagles can range from 188 to 240 cm (6 ft 2 in to 7 ft 10 in). Wingspans of as much as 260 cm (8 ft 6 in) have been reported but may be unsubstantiated. Average wingspans have been claimed of 205 cm (6 ft 9 in) and 207. Voice: The martial eagle is a weak and infrequent vocaliser. Little vocal activity has been reported even during the breeding season. The recorded contact call between pair-members consists of the birds, usually when perched, letting out a low mellow whistle, ko-wee-oh.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Martial Eagle
Recorded by Kileo Jumah · Call · Tarangire National Park, Manyara, Tanzania · CC0
Photo: Punkus · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

And 2 more countries.

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Gabar Goshawk and Martial Eagle.