The bat hawk is the African bird of prey commonly called the bat hawk because bats make up much of its diet.
The bat hawk, Macheiramphus alcinus, is a small, dark raptor found in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. It is strongly associated with areas where large numbers of bats or swifts emerge from roosts, often around caves, buildings, or forest sites.
Bat hawks usually hunt at dusk or dawn. Their narrow, pointed wings and agile flight allow them to pursue flying prey in low light. They may also take swifts, swallows, and other airborne animals, so bats are important rather than exclusive food.
The name can cause confusion with the bateleur, a much larger African eagle named for its distinctive rocking flight. The bat hawk is a separate species and belongs to the family Accipitridae, which includes eagles, hawks, and Old World vultures.