Species profile
About this species
The Madagascar harrier hawk is a medium-sized raptor endemic to Madagascar, recognised by its small head, long barred tail, & distinctive yellow facial skin that flushes red when the bird is excited. It has a grey & black plumage with a finely barred white & black belly. This adaptable predator is known for its remarkable double-jointed legs, which allow it to extract prey from crevices in bark & palm fronds.
Found across a range of habitats in Madagascar including rainforest, dry deciduous forest, forest edges, & wooded savanna, with a particular preference for areas containing palms & dead trees that harbour invertebrate prey.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Madagascar harrier hawk with us in Madagascar.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning & late afternoon light provides the best conditions, particularly during the dry season between April & October when vegetation is less dense & birds are easier to locate.
Position yourself near fruiting palms or dead trees where the bird forages, as it will return repeatedly to promising food sources. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the bird's movements as it probes & twists into crevices. Patience is essential - observe the bird's foraging route & pre-focus on a likely spot to capture sharp, well-composed shots.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Madagascar harrier hawk
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.