The variable morphology of the African Goshawk (Accipiter tachiro)

Abstract

A molecular phylogeny is not yet available for the widespread, medium-sized and ecologically uniform African Goshawk complex, which shows important geographical variation size and colour. Based on plumage characteristics and habitat preferences, I recognise two paraspecies: a rather cryptically plumaged woodland group (tachiro); and a colourful equatorial forest taxon (toussenelii). The rather colourful form on the Ethiopian highlands is isolated and could be considered as a third paraspecies. However, the form on Pemba island, obviously derived from nearby woodland parental stock (tachiro s.l.), also has the forest characteristics of small size, colourful female and poor sexual plumage dimorphism. This demonstrates the phenotypic plasticity within the complex.