Bird

Bat Hawk Sightings

Macheiramphus alcinus

PredatorSeen in 1 park

Want to know where and when to find Bat Hawk right now? opspoor tracks live, verified sightings across South Africa's parks.

About the Bat Hawk

The bat hawk is a specialised African raptor that feeds primarily on bats and is particularly active around dusk and after dark. It has long, narrow wings and a streamlined body adapted for fast aerial pursuit. It is mainly associated with woodland, forest edges and areas near caves or other bat roosts. Bat hawks often hunt in flight, intercepting bats as they emerge from roosts, and may also take swifts, swallows and other small flying animals.

How to identify the Bat Hawk

Medium-sized dark raptor with long, narrow pointed wings and a relatively long tail, giving it a streamlined appearance suited to fast aerial hunting. Plumage is generally dark brown to black with paler underparts.

Did you know?

The Bat Hawk is a highly specialised aerial predator that often begins hunting shortly after sunset, catching bats as they emerge from their roosts.

Also known as: Vlermuisvalk

Parks where you can see the Bat Hawk

Recent Bat Hawk sightings

No public sightings here yet — check back soon.

Planning a South Africa safari? opspoor tracks real, verified wildlife sightings like these across the country's parks — logged by people on the ground, not guesswork. It all works with zero signal, too, so a dead zone deep in the bush never costs you a sighting.

Bat Hawk Sightings in South Africa | opspoor