The double-jointed ankles of the African Harrier Hawk

It’s the tiny head which first strikes me; and then the bare face with the orange skin. It’s an African Harrier-Hawk and it’s close enough to enjoy for a while, perched in a nearby tree.

Non-breeding adults have yellow faces, but breeding adults have faces which flush pink or red with excitement. This must be an adult.

African Harrier-Hawks have very long tails and broad wings. They also have specially adapted ankles, which are double-jointed and can therefore reach inside the woven nests of Weaver birds and the tree-hole nests of Wood Hoopoes.

The intense, fine barring of their breast contrasts with the smoothness of their head and back.

I’ve never seen anything like them.

What a treat!