Learn what every symbol on the card means.Full credits and sources at beakbrain.com/symbols
ShrublandPlatform nestMedium · 195 g
ID tip
The Ovambo sparrowhawk is a small sparrowhawk with the typical broad winged, long-tailed shape of a member of the genus Accipiter. The adults have plain grey upperparts with white bars on the rump and white underparts which are finely barred with grey but with a plain white vent. The tail has three dark bars and a broad, dark subterminal band. The bill is black, contrasting with the red cere, the eyes are dark red and the legs are orange. There is a melanistic form which is all black except for the white barred flight feathers on the underwing.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Ovambo Sparrowhawk
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is January, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Ovambo Sparrowhawk
The map shades 22 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Chad.
About the Ovambo Sparrowhawk
The Ovambo or Ovampo sparrowhawk, also known as Hilgert's sparrowhawk, is a species of sub-Saharan African bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It takes its name from the Ovamboland in northern Namibia.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Rufous-breasted SparrowhawkAccipiter rufiventrisA small raptor, with a height of about 30 cm and wingspan of 72 cm, the rufous-breasted sparrowhawk is named for its distinctive rufous-coloured underparts, which can be seen both perching and in flight.
Madagascar SparrowhawkAccipiter madagascariensisThe Madagascar sparrowhawk is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
Grey-bellied HawkAccipiter poliogasterThis medium-sized hawk measures 38–51 cm in body length, with females being considerably larger (by about 40%) than males.
Side by side: Eurasian Sparrowhawk vs Ovambo Sparrowhawk · Ovambo Sparrowhawk vs Sharp-shinned Hawk · Ovambo Sparrowhawk vs Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk
Learn the Ovambo Sparrowhawk in the BeakBrain App
Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Play today's Daily BirdEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.