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| Subspecies: | Unknown |
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| Est. World Population: | 4750-8000 |
| CITES Status: | NOT LISTED |
| IUCN Status: | Least Concern |
| U.S. ESA Status: | NOT LISTED |
| Body Length: | |
| Tail Length: | |
| Shoulder Height: | |
| Weight: | |
| Top Speed: | |
| Jumping Ability: | (Horizontal) |
| Life Span: | in the Wild |
| Life Span: | in Captivity |
| Sexual Maturity: | (Females) |
| Sexual Maturity: | (Males) |
| Litter Size: | |
| Gestation Period: | |
Habitat:
This species is widely distributed across the Afrotropical and Indomalayan regions, with marginal occurrence in the Western Palearctic (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001). Numbers are increasing in Iberia (Snow and Perrins 1998), coinciding with the clearance of oak woodlands and understory vegetation (Shirihai et al. 2000). The species is generally sedentary, with some movements to more open habitats during winter (Snow and Perrins 1998). Juveniles will generally disperse from natal grounds. It occupies relatively open habitats at a range of altitudes, ranging from semi-desert to forest margins and clearings within densely forested areas. It is generally absent in continuous forest tracts and steep mountainous areas and will opportunistically use areas cleared after fires (Snow and Perrins 1998). In the non-breeding season, it forms communal roosts in trees or reed beds, with birds dispersing to individual territories during the day (del Hoyo et al. 1994).
The species’ prey comprises small grassland mammals (up to 90 g), reptiles, birds and insects, hunting its quarry from both a perch and hovering vantage, as well as quartering the ground and hawking insects in flight. It will often hunt during dawn and dusk (del Hoyo et al. 1994).
Nests are made of small twigs lined with finer material, and are located in tree branches 3-20 m above the ground, usually in open areas (del Hoyo et al. 1994). The same tree may be occupied in successive years, although new nests are usually built each year. The breeding season spans February to August (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001). It is able to exploit disturbed or cleared areas and increase its breeding productivity under favourable prey conditions.
The species’ prey comprises small grassland mammals (up to 90 g), reptiles, birds and insects, hunting its quarry from both a perch and hovering vantage, as well as quartering the ground and hawking insects in flight. It will often hunt during dawn and dusk (del Hoyo et al. 1994).
Nests are made of small twigs lined with finer material, and are located in tree branches 3-20 m above the ground, usually in open areas (del Hoyo et al. 1994). The same tree may be occupied in successive years, although new nests are usually built each year. The breeding season spans February to August (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001). It is able to exploit disturbed or cleared areas and increase its breeding productivity under favourable prey conditions.
Range:
In the Mediterranean, the species breeds primarily in Portugal and Spain (in Europe) and Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria (in North Africa), with very small populations also in Turkey, France and Egypt. The species does also breed in the Middle East.
Conservation:
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention. It occurs within a number of protected areas across its range.
Conservation Actions Proposed
It is recommended to undertake more research on the species in the North African part of the region, especially for young researchers and due to its accessibility.
The species is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention. It occurs within a number of protected areas across its range.
Conservation Actions Proposed
It is recommended to undertake more research on the species in the North African part of the region, especially for young researchers and due to its accessibility.