Bat Hawk

Macheiramphus alcinus

Family: Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks · Status: Very rare visitor · Size: 46 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Occurs in tropical Africa and Madagascar, and discontinuously across the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea.

Identification

A mostly black, falcon-like raptor with yellowish eyes, contrasting white throat to centre of upper breast, prominent mesial stripe, and yellow legs. Overall plumage colouration and long, pointed wings are distinctive. Juvenile is more extensively white below with a broad brown breast band.

Habitat

Open areas in or near forest, often near bat caves. Sometimes hunts over wetlands and waterbodies.

Behaviour

Crepuscular but also hunts throughout moonlit nights. Pursues bats and swiftlets aerially; also takes large insects.