Scientific name: Circus maurus
It has a wingspan of 105–115 cm (41–45 in) and a body length of 44–50 cm (17–20 in).[2]
When perched, this bird appears all black. However, in flight a white rump and flight feathers become visible showing a striking black-and-white striped tail and silver wing panels. Its morphology is comparable to that of other harriers, with a slim body, narrow wings and a long tail. Male and female plumages are similar. Juveniles have buff under-parts and heavily spotted breasts.
Endemic to southern Africa, with the bulk of its population occurring in South Africa and Lesotho; it is more scarce in south-western Botswana and Namibia. It generally prefers fynbos in the Western Cape, especially strandveld and mountain fynbos, while elsewhere it favours Karoo scrub, cultivated land and high-altitude grassland.
It mainly eats mice and birds, doing most of its hunting on blustery days. It flies close to the ground, then speedily drops onto its prey, often giving chase on the ground before finishing the animal off.
