The Rare Bat Hawk in Uganda
The Rare Bat Hawk of Uganda: The Bat Hawk (Macheramphus alcinus), is a rare quick raptor with a slender appearance that lives in Uganda’s tropical woods and savanna grasslands. This bird species gets its name from its special ability to quickly snatch and swallow bats in flight, which makes it an extremely strong hunter. It lives mostly in central and western Uganda, especially in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park, where it is often seen swooping overhead or perched in trees searching for bats.
Physical Characteristics of the rare Bat Hawk in Uganda
With the exception of a white patch above and beneath its huge eyes, its sleek, dark brownish colouring is all over. This Bat Hawk also has a broad black median band and variable degrees of spotty white throughout its underparts. The feet and legs are pale bluish-grey, the eyes are vivid yellow, and the cere is black. Compared to adults, the juveniles are more brown and mottling, with paler tail feather bases and whiter breasts.
Habitats and Distribution
In addition to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park, which are located adjacent to riverine areas along the Kazinga channel and Albert Delta, this intriguing bird species primarily seeks refuge in moist woodlands and open savanna grasslands. It has also been observed to reside in or close to cities, villages, and tree plantations. Particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, New Guinea, and Borneo, among other places.
Feeding Habits of the rare Bat Hawk in Uganda
It can hunt in the dark and in the morning because of its remarkable night vision, which is made possible by its huge eyes and specialised retinas. For bird watchers and wildlife photographers, this makes it an exciting sight. The primary food of the Bat Hawk consists of bats, swallows, insects, swifts, and swiftlets, with sporadic additions of other small birds and insects. Every prey item is swiftly captured by the wing. It will follow its quarry into buildings with unwavering determination, never descending to the ground in search of food.
Breeding and nesting
A lot of aerial chasing, including lapwing-style stunt flying and occasionally rolling and foot-touching demonstrations, takes place in the vicinity of the mating site as the breeding season gets underway. The birds undertake breathtaking high-speed nuptial flights. They swiftly and low-fly approach the nest tree and perch there en masse. The birds frequently build their nests in the same trees where they spend the day sleeping. Both genders lift weights; however, the female lifts heavier than the man. Dead branches break off twigs while in flight, and many are dropped. Built on a huge lateral limb, it is typically located high up in trees; however, it is occasionally found in the centre. Unlike other birds of prey, it has a broad, shallow cup that is occasionally unlined. It is a fairly big construction that is around three feet across by one foot deep.
The rare Bat Hawk in Uganda nests occasionally in populated towns in Africa and the East. The female is the only one who lays eggs, and during the day, she spends much of her time sitting extremely close to the male. She takes to the skies at night and searches for food, although she does not always go for her own. Frequently, the male feeds her in or close to the nest. An estimated month or so is needed for the incubation phase. After 35 to 40 days, the babies fledge and are taken in by both parents. During this period, the parents feed their young quickly—once every three to four minutes—and frequently leave food on the edge of the nest before taking off again and returning soon after with more.
Often, insects are the prey that is carried to the pups. In the latter week or ten days of the fledging period, the parents both perch on branches of the nest tree or nearby trees, although in the early part of the period, the female stays on the nest with the young. After fledging, the young only spend a brief period of time close to the nest. Usually raising one young per pair, these birds are regular breeders.
Behaviour and vocalisation
Although it is mainly silent, the rare Bat Hawk in Uganda will occasionally make high-pitched, broken whistles, such as “ki-kik-kik-kik-keee” or “kwiek-kwiek,” during nightfall and during displays. Considering the bird’s size, their calls seem thin. They resemble a little buzzard in size when in flight, yet they have the silhouette of a giant falcon. They are a dark, long-winged, thin bird. A large, brilliant yellow eye, white throat with median streak, and nearly black body are good indicators when it is at rest in a tree.
A vast area full of bats, swallows, swiftlets, or even large insects that it can catch on the wing at nightfall is the Bat Hawk’s ideal habitat. You can spot it searching in the dusk over big rivers and creeks, beaches, train platforms, and even expansive lawns close to skyscrapers. It is commonly found in the Far East in caves that are home to Birds-nest Swiftlets, such as limestone openings.
Owing to its unique lifestyle, this bird species is rare in most of its range, but when it does occur, it is usually found in towns and more rural areas. It can appear practically anywhere within its range as long as its fundamental needs for food and space are satisfied.
The Bat Hawk hunts by either quartering or circling its prey, usually at a high pace. The Bat Hawk is a fierce predator that can dive up to 50 km/h to capture its prey with wings. observing it from above, below, and all sides (as opposed to most predatory birds, which gaze downward). It catches and swallows a variety of small birds and insects in the air, including bats, swallows, swiftlets, and possibly other small birds. The victim gets engulfed entirely after being caught in the feet. In Africa, the bird species hunts for only thirty minutes a day, while in the East it hunts for longer periods of time, as swiftlets are its prey instead of bats. Since it is consumed whole while in flight, the prey needs to be small and abundant in order for it to be able to catch enough to survive in the little amount of time available.
The Bat Hawk species only eats small bats and birds, avoiding the giant fruit bats that are frequently seen in vast numbers across its territory. The Bat Hawk spends the day perched in a big tree, seldom, if ever, venturing outside for even a brief flight. However, it can occasionally be spotted soaring during the day, particularly during the breeding season. It takes flight just before sunset and hunts until almost all of the light has disappeared. It goes hunting early in the morning as well.
Environmental threats of the rare Bat Hawk in Uganda
Even though it is prevalent, it is difficult to spot the Bat Hawk. You can imagine how difficult it would be to find a bird that hunts at nightfall or dawn and spends the rest of the day roosting in trees with thick foliage. Because of the environment, especially in places where it feels comfortable, it migrates to particular habitats and becomes susceptible. Because it is hard to find birds and hard to study them, not much is known about it. It suffers numerous dangers while being classified as “Least Concern.” There may be major risks to this species from power line collisions or electrocutions.
In conclusion, human activities like construction, cultivation, settling, and deforestation put their habitats at risk of being destroyed. Even though it is a fragile species of bird, the Bat Hawk is a true marvel of Ugandan avifauna and a sought-after sighting for visitors exploring the nation’s rich natural heritage because of its amazing hunting skills and striking look.