African Harrier-Hawk vs Brown-necked Parrot
Polyboroides typus versus Poicephalus fuscicollis
Play a quiz with African Harrier-Hawk and Brown-necked Parrot
African Harrier-Hawk
Brown-necked Parrot
In short
The African Harrier-Hawk and the Brown-necked Parrot are distinct in both appearance and behavior. The Harrier-Hawk is a raptor with a distinctive bare facial skin and long legs, while the Brown-necked Parrot is a stocky, short-tailed parrot with a brownish head and neck. These species are unlikely to be confused in the field due to their different shapes and behaviors.
Identification tips
Look for the bare yellow facial skin and long legs of the African Harrier-Hawk. Note the brownish head and neck and robust body of the Brown-necked Parrot. Observe behavior: soaring and perching for the hawk, flocking and feeding for the parrot. Listen for the hawk's whistling call versus the parrot's squawks.
Size
The African Harrier-Hawk is larger and more slender, with a wingspan typical of raptors. The Brown-necked Parrot is smaller, with a compact, robust body typical of parrots.
Plumage
The African Harrier-Hawk has grey plumage with black and white barring on the underparts and a distinctive bare yellow facial skin. The Brown-necked Parrot has a brownish head and neck with green body plumage, lacking the facial skin of the hawk.
Behaviour
The African Harrier-Hawk is often seen soaring or perching high, using its long legs to extract prey from crevices. The Brown-necked Parrot is more likely to be seen in flocks, feeding on seeds and fruits.
Habitat
The African Harrier-Hawk is found in a variety of habitats including woodlands and savannas, often near water. The Brown-necked Parrot inhabits forests and woodland areas, often in more densely vegetated regions.
Voice
The African Harrier-Hawk has a distinctive whistling call, while the Brown-necked Parrot produces a variety of squawks and whistles typical of parrots.
African Harrier-Hawk · Brown-necked Parrot · My Tricky Birds