Bat Hawk
A species of Bat Hawk Scientific name : Macheiramphus alcinus Genus : Bat Hawk
Bat Hawk, A species of Bat Hawk
Botanical name: Macheiramphus alcinus
Genus: Bat Hawk
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Charley Hesse TROPICAL BIRDING 
Description
The bat hawk is a slender, medium-sized bird of prey, usually about 45 cm long. It has long wings and a falcon-like silhouette while in flight. Adults are dark brown or black, with a white patch on the throat and chest, and have a white streak above and below each eye. Juveniles are mottled brown and have more white plumage than adults. 
Size
51 cm
Nest Placement
Tree
Feeding Habits
Bat Hawk primarily consumes large insects and bats up to 75g, particularly avoiding larger species. In some regions, small birds, like cave-nesting swiftlets, are also key in their diet. Bat Hawk engages in fast aerial pursuits mainly during twilight or in moonlit nights, capturing prey in flight with a large gape, and typically ingests them whole swiftly. It has adapted to hunting over open spaces and often feeds near floodlights.
Habitat
The bat Hawk thrives in a variety of habitats, predominantly within evergreen forests and dense deciduous woodlands that are often located in regions with limestone. This species adapts to drier environments such as savannas where bat populations and exotic plantations can support their hunting. Bat Hawk is also known to hunt in urban settings and tends to roost in areas with dense foliage. Its habitat includes regions with open spaces like wetlands and old mine areas.
Dite type
Carnivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Species Status
Due to its large range and relatively stable population, the bat hawk is of least concern. However, localized populations are under threat, and it is listed as Endangered in South Africa.
