African Harrier Hawk
Scientific Name: Polyboroides typus Afrikaans Name: Kaalwangvalk
This fascinating species has long, double-jointed legs that can bend at odd angles allowing the raptor to forage reptiles from cracks or even to rob nests of baby birds. In courtship display or aggression their bare faces blush from yellow to red.
The African Harrier-hawk at the Sanctuary is called Jelly Bean and she is is one of the most well-known characters at the Sanctuary. Her enclosure is right front of the café so that she can see what goes on. She is a very clever and inquisitive lady and loves to talk (but sadly with her feet!) She lures unsuspecting visitors (normally men!) to her enclosure by blushing furiously and then, when they are right up close, she shoots a foot through the mesh and zaps whatever she can reach. She has numerous unsuspecting victims – despite the signs warning of her dexterity. The double jointed leg of the harrier hawk is in fact quite distinctive to the species and enables them to successfully hunt weaver birds out of nests or lizards out from nooks and crevices.