Grey Goshawk

The grey goshawk, Accipiter novaehollandiae, presents a striking figure in the avian world. This medium-sized raptor, robust in build, is a member of the Accipitridae family. It is notable for its two distinct morphs: the grey morph, with its pale grey head and back, and the white morph, which is the only entirely white bird of prey in existence.

Identification Tips

Observers should look for a bird with a pale grey head and back, dark wingtips, and barred grey breast and tail in the grey morph. The underparts are white, providing a stark contrast. The white morph, on the other hand, is completely white, making it quite unmistakable. Adult grey goshawks range from 40 to 55 cm in length, with wingspans of 70 to 110 cm. Females are significantly larger than males, with some reaching up to 990 grams, while males average around 355 grams.

Habitat

The grey goshawk favors forests, tall woodlands, and timbered watercourses as its preferred habitats, where it can be seen perched or in flight, surveying its domain.

Distribution

This species is found along the coasts of northern, eastern, and south-eastern Australia, as well as Tasmania. Sightings in Western Australia are rare. It is important to note that the variable goshawk was once considered a subspecies of the grey goshawk.

Behaviour

Grey goshawks exhibit opportunistic feeding habits, often varying their prey selection. They are known to hunt by stealth and are capable of pursuing their prey with determination before capturing it with their powerful talons.

Food and Feeding

The diet of the grey goshawk is diverse, including mammals such as rabbits, possums, and bats, as well as small reptiles and insects. Birds, however, constitute the most frequent prey type. Females tend to select larger prey than males, with males focusing on small to mid-sized passerines and females taking on larger birds such as currawongs, gamebirds, and even herons. Pigeons and parrots are also favored by grey goshawks.

Breeding

Grey and white goshawks interbreed freely and form lifelong partnerships. Their breeding season spans from July to December. They construct nests high in tall trees using sticks and twigs, lined with green leaves. The female lays 2 or 3 eggs and incubates them for about 35 days. Chicks fledge 35–40 days after hatching, with the female primarily responsible for incubation and feeding, while the male predominantly hunts.

Conservation Status

In Victoria, Australia, the grey goshawk is listed as "threatened" under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. However, in Queensland, it is classified as "least concern," reflecting a stable population in that region.

Similar Species

There are no similar species that share the same habitat and range as the grey goshawk, making it a unique species for birdwatchers to observe.

Diet and Feeding

The grey goshawk's diet is quite varied, but it shows a preference for avian prey. It is less agile than the brown goshawk but compensates with greater strength, allowing it to take down larger prey items.