About Polyboroides radiatus (Scopoli, 1786)
The Madagascar harrier-hawk, Polyboroides radiatus (Scopoli, 1786), is a medium-sized raptor with long, broad wings that reach almost to the tip of the tail when folded. It has a black tail crossed by a single broad grey band halfway along its length. Adult individuals are grey on their upperparts, with blackish flight feathers. Their underparts are white, with dense dark barring on the breast, belly, and underwing coverts. The upper breast and throat match the colour of the upperparts, forming a grey hood that is interrupted by the yellow face. The bill is yellow with a black tip, and the legs are yellow. This species is quite widespread and common across most regions of Madagascar, though it occurs in small numbers. It is scarce on the deforested central plateau of the island, and can be found at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft). The Madagascar harrier-hawk lives in a variety of habitats, and appears to favour undisturbed lowland rainforest. It has also been recorded in montane rainforest, spiny desert scrub, degraded forests, and other wooded habitats, including exotic tree plantations.
