Polyboroides
Encyclopedia
Polyboroides is a genus
of bird of prey
in the Accipitridae
family. This genus has two recognized species
found in Sub-Saharan Africa
and Madagascar
. The two species are allopatric and restricted to the Afrotropic ecozone. They are generally known as harrier-hawks.
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...
of bird of prey
Bird of prey
Birds of prey are birds that hunt for food primarily on the wing, using their keen senses, especially vision. They are defined as birds that primarily hunt vertebrates, including other birds. Their talons and beaks tend to be relatively large, powerful and adapted for tearing and/or piercing flesh....
in the Accipitridae
Accipitridae
The Accipitridae, one of the two major families within the order Accipitriformes , are a family of small to large birds with strongly hooked bills and variable morphology based on diet. They feed on a range of prey items from insects to medium-sized mammals, with a number feeding on carrion and a...
family. This genus has two recognized species
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
found in Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa as a geographical term refers to the area of the African continent which lies south of the Sahara. A political definition of Sub-Saharan Africa, instead, covers all African countries which are fully or partially located south of the Sahara...
and Madagascar
Madagascar
The Republic of Madagascar is an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa...
. The two species are allopatric and restricted to the Afrotropic ecozone. They are generally known as harrier-hawks.
Species
The genus Polyboroides has two recognized species:- African Harrier-Hawk, Polyboroides typus (Scopoli, 1786) - Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Madagascar Harrier-HawkMadagascar Harrier-hawkThe Madagascar Harrier-Hawk is a species of bird of prey in the Accipitridae family.It is endemic to Madagascar. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.-References:* BirdLife International 2004. . Downloaded on...
, Polyboroides radiatus Smith, 1829 - Madagascar.