Fauna
Bird

Brown Goshawk

Accipiter fasciatus

Also known as Australasian Goshawk, Australian Goshawk

Brown goshawks are stealthy forest predators that ambush quarry by flying low beneath the canopy or scanning from concealed perches within dense foliage. Adults perform undulating aerial displays with rapid, chattering calls above their territory during courtship before building large stick platforms in eucalyptus forks. Marked reverse size dimorphism allows mated pairs to partition food resources effectively, with the larger female taking rabbit-sized mammals while the smaller male specializes on agile songbirds.

RaptorCarnivoreWoodland
Brown Goshawk reference
Aviceda / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCrested pigeon, European rabbit, House sparrow
Predators
  • Wedge-tailed eagle
  • Powerful owl
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, illegal shooting, and secondary rodenticide poisoning
HabitatsEucalypt woodlands, open forests, farmlands, and urban parklands
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. OrderAccipitriformes
  2. FamilyAccipitridae
  3. GenusAccipiter
  4. SpeciesAccipiter fasciatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Nesting pairs may swoop intruders; observe nests and perches from a respectful distance.
Why it is dangerous
Equipped with strong, needle-sharp talons and a curved beak capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds and scratches if cornered or handled.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by fine rufous barring on the breast, bright yellow eyes and legs, and a heavy, rounded head profile.
What to do
Never handle a sick or grounded bird bare-handed: cover it loosely with a towel and call licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
Responsible observation
  • Observation Distance: Use binoculars or a spotting scope to watch roosting goshawks without disturbing them.
  • Nesting Awareness: Give tall eucalyptus trees a wide berth during spring if you notice adult birds circling and calling overhead.
  • Injured Birds: Call local wildlife rescue rather than attempting to pick up a grounded raptor with bare hands.
Related species
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