Banded Gymnogene
Polyboroides typus typus (Smith)

These birds are found in eastern Sudan east to eastern Ethiopia (Eritrea), and from there, south to Angola and Cape Province.

This bird is also called the African Harrier Hawk or the Gymnogene.

In regards to fly tying, the soft, filamentous feathers from the breast and flank regions of the Gymnogene were used for hackle by fly tiers, as confirmed by Kelson (1895) when he wrote: "...the best black and white barred hackle is from the Banded Cymnogene (Polyboroides typicus), found in Africa and Madagascar." The barred feathers from this bird could be used in place of Gallina (Common Guineafowl), or any other black and white hackle material.

If you want to know more about the gymnogene and other birds related to our fly tying heritage, we suggest you order Rare and Unusual Fly Tying Materials: A Natural History.