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Just before taking off after potential prey.


This was taken right after they were done mating. It's also the only time they make a sound, at breeding time (Aug to Nov) you will here a "klieeeeeu klieeeeeu klieeeeeu" in the canopy, where they are very easily overlooked.


Seems that they have a favourite vantage point where they hunt from.


They prefer hunting across open areas from the edge of a forest rather than inside the forest itself. Some scared featherless pigeons came to experience this first hand.


The unmistakable white markings on the back of the tail can clearly be seen here.

Sorry, only seen one outside the forum's catchment area

I contacted the birding group from my mother's retirement Village about an out of season "Piet my Vroe" and they told me that they had been watching a pair of Ovambo Sparrow Hawks for months.

I will try to accompany them to the site and get a picture in the near future.

I've seen my first Ovambo sparrowhawk this past Sunday ; a young one hunting just behind our house in the veld... Heard the "klieeu klieeu klieeu" described above several times earlier in the season (it's parents possibly?), but had no idea that it was an Ovambo sparrowhawk doing the calling

Taken 4th of March in my hometown Stilfontein.
Pale form, juvenile!