Long-tailed Hawk

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iLong-tailed Hawk
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Urotriorchis
Sharpe, 1874
Species: U. macrourus
Binomial name
Urotriorchis macrourus
(Hartlaub, 1855)

The Long-tailed Hawk (Urotriorchis macrourus) is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, eagles and harriers. It is the only member of the genus Urotriorchis.

This hawk inhabits the rainforests of western and central Africa. It has a wingspan of 0.90 m and can stand a total length of 0.60 m, including the tail of 0.30 cm.

The Long-tailed Hawk primarily eats squirrels and small birds; it can also hunt chickens in the villages close to the forest. Its hunting tactics consist of breaking the neck of its prey.

The mating season occurs in July-August, when the pair build a nest on a high tree. Little is known regarding nesting and breeding the young.

[edit] References

  • BirdLife International (2004). Urotriorchis macrourus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
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