What does the African Harrier-Hawk eat?

The African Harrier-Hawk's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore (omnivorous tendencies)

How it forages

Highly opportunistic and versatile. Its unique double-jointed legs allow it to probe into tree holes, rock crevices, and even bird nests to extract prey. Diet includes small mammals (rodents, bats), birds (especially nestlings and eggs), reptiles (lizards, snakes), amphibians, large insects, and occasionally fruit (especially oil palm nuts). It is known to hang upside down or cling to tree trunks while foraging.

When it feeds

Diurnal, active during daylight hours.

Explore the African Harrier-Hawk