Meyer's Goshawk

Meyer's goshawk (Accipiter meyerianus) is a bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. This raptor is distinguished by its robust build and the presence of a short, broad tail and rounded wings, which are characteristic of the genus Accipiter.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify Meyer's goshawk, look for its relatively large size and powerful structure. The plumage is typically slate grey, with a paler grey or white underbelly, which may be barred or streaked with darker shades. The eyes of this bird are keen and piercing, an adaptation for its predatory lifestyle.

Habitat

The natural habitats of Meyer's goshawk are the subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, as well as subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. These environments provide ample cover and a variety of prey for this adept hunter.

Distribution

This species is found across a range of islands including the Moluccas, New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and the Solomon Islands. Its presence in these regions is a testament to its adaptability to different forested ecosystems within the tropical zone.

Behaviour

Meyer's goshawk is known for its stealth and agility in flight, often maneuvering through dense foliage in pursuit of its prey. It is a solitary bird, typically observed alone when not in the breeding season.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified Meyer's goshawk as Least Concern. This suggests that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher level of concern. However, continuous monitoring is essential to ensure that this status remains stable.

The common name of this goshawk commemorates Adolf Bernard Meyer, a German anthropologist and ornithologist who collected specimens in the Dutch East Indies, contributing to our understanding of the region's avian diversity.