Accipiter novaehollandiae

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Family

Accipitridae

Genus

Accipiter

Species

novaehollandiae

Common Names

Grey Goshawk, Variable Goshawk

Distinguishing Features

This striking bird is 40-50cm in size, with a wingspan of 75-95cm. There are two morphs of this species, one with plumage of softly blending greys and the other snowy white. The grey morph has white under-feathers and fine streaks across its underparts. Both morphs have a short, curved, yellow and black bill and a red eye. Their yellow legs are large and strong, with black, hooked nails.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A repeated 'kieek-kieek-kieek-kieek'. The male's is high and piercing, while the female's is mellow.

Similar Species

No other birds of prey in this region have these colourings.

Distribution

The Grey Goshawk is found along the coastal fringe of Australia, from the Kimberlys in WA, across NT, down QLD to VIC and TAS.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

This species is very rare to the Canberra region and is only sighted from late November to mid April.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999. However, it is uncommon and rare in many areas within its range. In Tasmania, the species is considered Endangered due to ongoing logging.

LSCCES Population

One bird was sighted flying over the ANU campus.

Associated vegetation community

This species inhabits rainforest, mangrove, eucalypt forest and woodland areas.

Limiting Resources

The Grey Goshawk prefers areas with thick, mature tree canopys and open ground vegetation in order to hunt most successfully. It requires large areas of habitat and it not suited to areas with extensive landclearing. Nests are always built near a water source.

Breeding

Grey Goshawks breed regularly during August to December. Their large, shallow nest is constructed of sticks lined with fresh eucalypt leaves. They will also reuse their nest or another raptor's from a previous year. Nests are usually placed high on a strong tree fork in a thick, sheltered tree canopy. The female incubates the 2-3 large white eggs, while the male hunts for the family. The young hatch in a white down after 35 days of incubation. They grow feathers after 2-3 weeks and then leave the nest after 40-45days.

Behaviour

This bird spends time in the thickest tree branches before shooting out swiftly to attack prey on the ground. Its flight consists of strong and direct wingbeats and glides, and young birds are known to wander long distances in search of new territory.

Functional Group

Carnivore

Food Species

Grey Goshawks capture birds, small mammals, reptiles and insects with their strong, clawed feet. They can hunt  alone or in groups and are known to often attack Common Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris ).

Predators

There are no know predators of this bird or of the young birds, and the parents will confidently leave the nest unattended for up to 20 minutes. However, this species will hunt other smaller birds.

Interesting Fact

The female Grey Goshawks are the larger of the two sexes and can hunt larger animals than the males.