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Brown goshawk
Brown goshawk
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Brown goshawk
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Tachyspiza
Species:
T. fasciata
Binomial name
Tachyspiza fasciata
(Vigors & Horsfield, 1827)
An immature brown goshawk flying in Tasmania, Australia

The brown goshawk (Tachyspiza fasciata) is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae found in Australia and surrounding islands. This species was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter.

Taxonomy

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The brown goshawk was formally described in 1827 by the naturalists Nicholas Vigors and Thomas Horsfield under the binomial name Astur fasciatus.[2] The type locality is the state of New South Wales in eastern Australia.[3] The brown goshawk was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter. In 2024 a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study of the Accipitridae confirmed earlier work that had shown that the genus was polyphyletic.[4][5] To resolve the non-monophyly, Accipiter was divided into six genera. The genus Tachyspiza was resurrected to accommodate the brown goshawk together with 26 other species that had previously been placed in Accipiter. The resurrected genus had been introduced in 1844 by the German naturalist Johann Jakob Kaup.[6] The genus name combines the Ancient Greek ταχυς (takhus) meaning "fast" with σπιζιας (spizias) meaning "hawk".[7] The specific epithet fasciatus, fasciata is Late Latin meaning "banded" or "striped".[8]

Thirteen subspecies are recognised:[6]

Description

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Its upperparts are grey with a chestnut collar; its underparts are mainly rufous, finely barred with white. Thus it has similar colouring to the collared sparrowhawk but is larger. The flight is fast and flexible. The body length is 40–55 cm (15.7–21.7 in); the wingspan, 75–95 cm (29.5–37.4 in). Females are noticeably larger: adult males weigh 220 g (7.8 oz), and adult females, 355 g (12.5 oz).

Distribution and habitat

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The brown goshawk is widespread through Australia, Wallacea, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji.[9] In Australia, it is found mainly in eucalypt forests and woodlands, as well as farmland and urban areas. In the Pacific, it mainly inhabits rainforest. It was also found on Norfolk Island to about 1790, and this may be another undescribed subspecies. However, the lack of specimens from Norfolk Island (1 historical skin and 9 subfossil bones is all the material that has been found)[9] means that no genetic test can be conducted.

Feeding

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Brown goshawks feed mainly on other medium-sized birds, while small mammals such as rats and rabbits are also taken. Brown goshawks often hunt near farmland or wetlands, where birds such as ducks, cockatoos and pigeons are plentiful. Smaller prey such as finches, pipits and fairy-wrens are also preyed on, right up to birds the size of domestic fowls and even large, aggressive birds such as currawongs and kookaburras. Bats,[10] small reptiles, amphibians, and large insects are also occasionally eaten.

The main methods of catching prey are still-hunting, by which the goshawk waits on a hidden perch until prey comes within striking distance, and flying through undergrowth attempting to flush out small prey. Less often, goshawks will stoop on prey from above, or even chase small mammals on foot.

When a brown goshawk is discovered by other birds, smaller species panic and flee for cover, while larger birds such as ravens, crows and magpies will aggressively mob it until it leaves the area.

Breeding

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It nests in tall trees on a platform of sticks and twigs lined with green leaves. The clutch size is usually three, sometimes two or four. The incubation period is about 30 days, with chicks fledging about 31 days after hatching.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Brown goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus) is a medium-sized raptor in the family , characterized by its brown head, slate-grey to brown upperparts with a distinctive red-brown collar on the , finely barred red-brown and white underparts, long grey tail with dark bars, yellow legs, and bright yellow eyes; it measures 37–55 cm in length with a of 74–96 cm and weighs 250–740 g, with females larger than males. Native to a wide range across (including ), , (including the Lesser Sundas), , , and other Pacific islands, it inhabits diverse timbered environments such as eucalypt forests, woodlands, savannas, forest edges, wooded farmlands, and even urban areas from to 2,000 m elevation, while avoiding dense rainforests and open treeless plains. This adaptable predator primarily hunts small mammals like rabbits, birds (including egrets and herons), reptiles, amphibians, insects, and occasionally carrion, employing stealthy ambushes from perches or pursuits in flight. Breeding occurs from July to December in Australia, with pairs constructing large stick nests lined with green leaves in tall trees near water, laying 2–4 eggs (typically 3) that incubate for about 33 days; fledglings leave the nest after 35 days and may disperse up to 900 km, remaining dependent on parents for several weeks. Recognized as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (as of 2022) due to its large extent of occurrence (over 20 million km²) and suspected decreasing population trends due to ongoing habitat loss although it is tolerant of some degradation, it comprises 12 subspecies and is non-migratory, though shy in most areas but notably tame on islands like Christmas Island where it may follow humans.

Taxonomy

Classification and history

The brown goshawk was first described in 1827 by and Thomas Horsfield under the binomial name Astur fasciatus in the Transactions of the , with the type locality designated as , . The species name fasciatus derives from , meaning "banded" or "striped," alluding to the barring on the underbody plumage. It is classified within the family , the hawks, eagles, and relatives, and placed in the subfamily , which encompasses typical hawks and goshawks. Historically, the brown goshawk was included in the large Accipiter, but molecular phylogenetic studies revealed non-monophyly in that grouping, leading to its reclassification in 2024 into the resurrected Tachyspiza Kaup, 1844. This change, supported by ultraconserved element analyses, positions Tachyspiza fasciata closer to Pacific Island raptors such as certain sparrowhawks, reflecting evolutionary divergences within the . The name Tachyspiza combines Greek roots tachys ("swift" or "fast") and spizias (""), emphasizing agile traits. Taxonomic debates have centered on distinguishing the brown goshawk from the sympatric grey goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae), with occasional reports of natural hybridization in highlighting morphological and ecological overlaps, yet genetic and vocal differences affirm their status as distinct species. Contemporary authorities, including the IOC World Bird List, recognize Tachyspiza fasciata as the valid , incorporating 13 while maintaining separation from related taxa.

Subspecies

The brown goshawk (Tachyspiza fasciata) is classified into 13 according to the latest taxonomic revisions, which account for geographic isolation and adaptive variations across its range in , , , and isolated . These differ primarily in body size, with northern and island forms often smaller, while highland New Guinean populations tend to be larger; plumage tones also vary, with paler forms in drier habitats and darker, more richly colored individuals in forested regions. Taxonomic notes include ongoing debates over the status of certain island endemics, informed by morphological and preliminary genetic data. The following table summarizes the recognized subspecies, their primary geographic ranges, key morphological differences, and relevant taxonomic notes:
SubspeciesGeographic RangeKey Morphological TraitsTaxonomic Notes
T. f. fasciatusEastern and southern , including , to southeastern Medium-sized (males ~220–400 g, females ~500–700 g); slate-gray upperparts, rufous-barred underparts; darker in mesic forests, paler in arid interiorsNominate ; represents the standard form for much of continental .
T. f. didimus, western , Smaller overall (females wing ~275 mm vs. ~295 mm in fasciatus); paler gray , reduced rufous barringValidated as distinct by size and color per Amadon's rule; potential overlap with buruensis in genetic analyses.
T. f. dogwaSouthern Medium size similar to fasciatus; bold underpart barring, brown crownDistinct from northern New Guinean forms; limited data on variations.
T. f. papuanusMainland Larger (approaching upper size limits of ); bolder brown chevrons on underparts, darker dorsal with broad rufous edgesHighland-adapted; represents one of the largest .
T. f. polycrypta (New Britain, New Ireland)Medium size; pronounced barring on underwing coverts, variable nape collar intensityIsland form with potential local ; synonymy debated in older classifications.
T. f. rosseliana (Rossel )Small to medium; finer barring, slightly yellower underpartsRecently retained as rather than synonym of fasciatus; candidate for split based on isolation.
T. f. natalis ()Small; pale overall , reduced barringTaxonomic uncertainty; may align more closely with A. novaehollandiae complex per phylogenetic studies, potentially warranting separation.
T. f. wallaciiLesser Sundas (Lombok to Damar, )Small; lighter gray tones, shorter wingsWidespread in Lesser Sundas; candidate for split due to isolation.
T. f. tjendanae (southern Lesser Sundas)Small; pale underparts, fine streaking in juvenilesIsland endemic; minimal variation data available.
T. f. stresemanniIslands south of (Selayar Archipelago)Medium-small; darker crown, distinct white Synonymy with severa in some checklists; Wallacean form.
T. f. hellmayri, Alor, Semau, (Lesser Sundas)Small; pale ventral barring, shorter tailDistinct island population; potential synonymy with adjacent forms.
T. f. buruensis (southern Moluccas)Small; similar to didimus but with more contrasting Overlaps range with didimus group; genetic distinction under study.
T. f. savuSavu (Lesser Sundas)Very small; light , reduced size metricsRestricted endemic; limited specimens suggest high isolation.
These highlight clinal variations, with size generally decreasing on islands and toward the north, while darkens in humid equatorial zones. Recent genetic supports the of the T. fasciata group but indicates possible splits for peripheral taxa like natalis and rosseliana based on divergences.

Description

Physical characteristics

The brown goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus) is a medium-sized raptor with a body length of 40–55 and a of 75–95 . Adults weigh 230–700 g, with males ranging from 230–375 g (average 311 g) and females from 480–700 g (average 569 g). The species exhibits pronounced , with females 20–30% larger than males in linear dimensions. It has a robust build suited to its woodland habitat, featuring short, rounded wings that enable agile maneuvers through dense vegetation and a long, rounded tail that facilitates precise steering during flight. The legs are strong and yellow, terminating in sharp talons, while the cere is yellow and the bill is powerful and hooked for dismembering prey. Juveniles can be distinguished from adults by their streaked underparts and paler grey-brown eyes, in contrast to the bright eyes of mature birds.

Plumage and variations

The adult brown goshawk displays slate-grey to brown upperparts, with a distinctive red-brown or collar across the upper . The underparts are -brown with fine white barring, particularly on the chest and belly, while the head is uniformly grey in older adults. The iris is bright , and the long, rounded tail features grey coloration with dark bars. Juvenile brown goshawks possess brownish upperparts and heavily streaked underparts, lacking the barring seen in adults, with a streaked head featuring white markings and dark brown teardrops. Their eyes are grey-, transitioning to bright as they age. changes occur progressively: second-year birds show intermediate traits, such as a brown crown with white streaking, broader ventral barring with dark edging, and indistinct tail barring, before attaining full adult by the third year. The transition to adult barring typically follows the first molt at around one year, with refinements continuing into the second year. The brown goshawk undergoes an annual post-breeding molt, with feather replacement occurring sequentially to preserve flight capability. Primaries are replaced progressively from the innermost outward, followed by secondaries and tail feathers starting three to four weeks later, with central tail feathers molted first. Breeding females initiate molt at laying or (around ), taking 150–180 days to complete primaries and secondaries by late , while males begin three weeks after hatching and finish by April, lasting 130–170 days overall. Plumage dimorphism between sexes is minimal beyond size differences, though females tend to have dorsal feathers and dark brown replacement feathers on the crown and back, while males show bluer tones in these areas and a brighter, wider nuchal collar. Females may also exhibit slightly duller barring on the underparts compared to males.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic distribution

The brown goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus) occupies a vast range across and the southwestern Pacific, with an estimated extent of occurrence of 20,200,000 km². It is widespread throughout most of , excluding the arid interior, and includes offshore territories such as and . In Indonesia's region, the species occurs on islands including those in the Lesser Sundas (from to ), the Selayar archipelago, in the Moluccas, and parts of Timor-Leste. The range extends to and the in , as well as the (including Bellona and Rennell), , and . Subspecies distributions vary across these regions, with distinct forms in island populations such as those in . The species' presence in these Pacific islands reflects historical colonization patterns, with the overall range showing stability and no major contractions documented beyond localized variations. Vagrant records are infrequent but include rare sightings in . The brown goshawk is largely resident across its distribution, though some populations in eastern undertake partial altitudinal movements in winter, dispersing from highland breeding areas to lowland regions.

Habitat requirements

The brown goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus) primarily inhabits closed eucalypt forests and woodlands throughout , where it favors timbered environments with sufficient cover for hunting and nesting. In and the Pacific islands, including , , and , it occupies rainforests, forests, and associated woodland edges. The species is highly adaptable, extending into savannas, areas, and mosaic landscapes that provide scattered trees for perching. Within these habitats, the brown goshawk requires tall trees for perches and nest sites, typically selecting the tallest available individuals with heights often exceeding 20 m to offer protection from ground predators. Nests are constructed as platforms of sticks in horizontal forks or limbs, lined with fresh green leaves, and are frequently located near waterways or creeks, which enhance prey availability by attracting birds, mammals, and reptiles. This proximity to is particularly important in drier settings, supporting the ' ambush hunting strategy. The brown goshawk exhibits strong tolerance for degraded and human-modified habitats, including wooded farmlands, rural gardens, and urban fringes, where it can exploit introduced prey and irrigated green spaces. However, it avoids open grasslands that lack vegetative cover for stealthy pursuits and dense mangroves, which impede flight maneuverability. In northern tropical ranges, use aligns with seasonal patterns, with breeding concentrated from the late (August) through the early (January), allowing pairs to capitalize on increasing prey abundance in moistened environments.

Behavior

Foraging and diet

The brown goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus) is an opportunistic predator with a diet dominated by avian prey, though the exact composition varies by region, season, sex, and age. Studies in southeastern indicate that birds comprise approximately 63% of the diet by number of items, with mammals accounting for 26% (primarily European rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus), and smaller proportions consisting of reptiles (such as elapid snakes and skinks), (mainly beetles and grasshoppers), and crustaceans. In contrast, research near reveals a more balanced intake, with birds at 40%, at 38% (e.g., cicadas and beetles), mammals at 16% (mostly juvenile rabbits and rats), and reptiles at 6% (e.g., skinks). By , mammals often contribute more substantially (54–61%), reflecting their larger size, while birds make up 37–46%. Common avian prey includes pigeons, finches, starlings, sparrows, and , with females targeting larger due to their greater body size, while males favor smaller birds and . Foraging occurs solitarily within defended territories, with the species exhibiting bimodal daily activity patterns featuring peaks in early morning and late afternoon, aligning with crepuscular tendencies. is primarily ambush-based, with still-hunting from concealed perches in foliage accounting for about 49–70% of attacks, allowing the goshawk to wait motionless before launching sudden strikes. Other techniques include flushing prey from cover, low-level contour flights through vegetation (hugging hedges or forest edges at speeds up to 50 km/h), and occasional soaring or pursuits over open areas. Success rates vary from 16% in urban settings (one kill per 35 minutes of active flight) to 37% overall in mixed habitats, with adults achieving higher rates (up to 67%) than juveniles. Prey selection favors medium-sized items weighing 50–500 g, enabling efficient capture and transport, though the prey weight across studies is around 18 g when including smaller . Females, being larger, preferentially pursue heavier quarry like or rabbits, complementing the male's focus on lighter fare such as finches or , which optimizes energy use during solitary hunts within territories spanning several kilometers. Dietary flexibility allows adaptation to local abundance, with urban populations incorporating more reptiles (e.g., water dragons) and alongside .

Reproduction and breeding

The brown goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus) exhibits a socially monogamous , with pairs often maintaining long-term bonds and reusing nesting territories across seasons. Breeding season varies by latitude: in , it occurs from July to December, while in northern and tropical regions, it aligns with the , typically from August to January. Nests consist of a platform of sticks and twigs, often lined with green leaves, constructed by both sexes in mature trees such as eucalypts, typically at heights of 4–30 m (mean 12.4 m) above ground. Pairs frequently the same nest or site annually, with beginning 3–4 weeks prior to egg-laying. The clutch comprises 2–4 eggs (usually 3), laid at intervals of 2–4 days, which are white to bluish-white with reddish-brown spots. Incubation begins with the laying of the second and lasts 29–35 days ( 30), primarily performed by the while the male provides food; both parents share brooding duties. Nestlings remain in the nest for 28–37 days ( 31), with males fledging slightly earlier than , after which parents continue feeding them for 3 weeks to 2 months, during which juveniles stay near the natal area. Fledging success ranges from 50–77%, with an average of 1.5–2.3 young per successful nest, varying annually and influenced by prey availability in the territory.

Vocalizations and

The brown goshawk produces a variety of vocalizations that serve communication functions, particularly during breeding and territorial defense. The primary is a rapid, shrill chattering described as "kek-kek-kek" or "keek-keek-keek," often rising in pitch and given in response to threats such as intruders or predators. A slower, drawn-out contact call, rendered as "ee-you-wick" or "ee-you-wick," is used for pair communication and maintaining proximity. Females typically deliver deeper-voiced versions of these calls compared to males, reflecting in vocal quality. These vocalizations are generally slower-paced than those of the smaller collared sparrowhawk (Accipiter cirrocephalus). Courtship displays emphasize aerial acrobatics to reinforce pair bonds and attract mates, occurring primarily from to . Males perform soaring flights over canopies, followed by steep dives and calling sequences that synchronize with the female's responses. Pre-laying rituals include conspicuous perching, unilateral or mutual soaring, and pursuit chases between partners, often culminating in food passes from male to female. Wing-slapping and copulation frequently follow these displays, strengthening monogamous partnerships. Outside the breeding season, brown goshawks are largely solitary, but established pairs maintain year-round territories averaging 200–300 meters in diameter around the nest site, equivalent to roughly 3–7 hectares of core defended area, though broader ranges can extend to hundreds of hectares. Territorial pairs aggressively defend against conspecifics, other raptors, and even intruders near nests, with females taking the primary role in close-range defense. Pairs often reuse the same nesting area annually, exhibiting strong site fidelity. Juveniles exhibit distinct behaviors post-fledging, including loud begging calls to solicit food from parents, which persist for up to as they remain dependent. These young birds engage in play-hunting and exploratory flights under parental supervision, gradually developing hunting skills before dispersing to establish their own territories, sometimes traveling up to 900 kilometers.

Conservation

Status and threats

The brown goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus) is classified as Least Concern on the , reflecting its large range spanning over 20 million km² across , , , and Pacific islands, where it remains common and widespread. The global population size is unknown but considered large, with the species exhibiting tolerance to modified habitats that supports its persistence. Overall population trends are stable, though precautionarily suspected to be declining slowly due to localized pressures. Regionally, the brown goshawk is abundant in and , but local declines have occurred in , where extensive habitat clearance has reduced suitable forested areas. Populations in Pacific islands, such as and the , appear stable, benefiting from less intensive human modification in some remote areas. In fragmented habitats across its range, ongoing monitoring reveals declines linked to environmental changes. Primary threats include habitat loss from and , which fragments hunting and nesting territories; in the Lesser Sundas, ongoing reduction exacerbates this risk despite the ' adaptability. Secondary via of rodenticides in prey items poses an additional hazard, particularly in agricultural landscapes. by farmers, who target the bird as a predator and refer to it derogatorily as a "chicken ," contributes to mortality in farmlands. Collisions with vehicles and wind turbines represent emerging risks in human-modified environments, especially for individuals navigating cleared or developed areas.

Conservation measures

The Brown goshawk () benefits from international and national legal protections aimed at regulating trade and preventing harm. It has been listed under Appendix II since 1981, which controls international commercial trade to ensure it does not threaten the species' survival, though no trade bans are currently necessary due to its abundance and wide distribution. In , the species is safeguarded as native wildlife under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), which prohibits killing, injuring, or trading without permits, and is classified as not threatened nationally. State-level protections further apply, such as under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act 1992, which makes unauthorized capture or keeping illegal, as demonstrated by enforcement actions against illegal captivity. Management practices focus on enhancement and to support local populations. Initiatives like those by involve restoring native woodlands and urban green spaces in cleared areas, providing suitable forested habitats for nesting and foraging where the species persists. Efforts to reduce use, through awareness campaigns by groups, aim to minimize secondary risks to the brown goshawk and other raptors that prey on . Nest monitoring programs occur in protected areas, such as national parks, to track breeding success and inform management, with examples from urban and peri-urban sites in . Research and monitoring efforts include ongoing surveys by organizations like and platforms such as eBird, which compile annual sighting data to assess distribution and trends across its range. programs promote tolerance of the by highlighting its role in controlling pest populations, reducing instances of persecution from perceived threats to or backyard birds. Notable successes include population increases in urbanizing landscapes, where the brown goshawk has adapted by exploiting introduced prey species, leading to higher densities in areas like Darwin compared to pre-urban conditions. For the Endangered Christmas Island subspecies (A. f. natalis), recovery actions under a national plan have stabilized numbers through rehabilitation and targeted monitoring, offering models for mainland conservation; as of 2025, fewer than 100 adult birds remain, and it continues to be listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act.

References

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