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Brown GoshawkSize: 40-50 cm; wing span 75-95 cm Weight: 220 g (male), 355 g (female) |
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Similar species |
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Taxonomy, classification |
See Brown Goshawk
at Wikipedia 
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Range, habitat |
(for details refer to a field guide) |
Brown Goshawks populate basically all of the Australian continent, including Tasmania and other offshore islands. They are only rarely found in the eastern and south-eastern part of WA and in the western part of QLD, towards the NT and SA border.
Brown Goshawks hunt in almost any kind of habitat where there are trees, including semi-arid and arid environments with sparse vegetation.
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Sightings |
We are not sure about the identification of each individual shown below, but think that the birds shown in the photos below are indeed Brown Goshawks, as opposed to Collared Sparrowhawks.
An immature bird appeared 20 km south of Narrabri in 2006. Shortly after a pair of adults were spotted by us 20 km east of Narrabri, an immature bird showed up (see photos below). Based on its size, the square shape of the tail and the moderate length of the front claw we identify it as a first-year Brown Goshawk. In December 2011 a female Brown Goshawk seen 20 km east of Narrabri could be identified unambiguously by its size.
A female bird was seen 15 km south of Maules Creek, NSW, in January 2009. Another bird shown in flight was spotted 20 km north of Coonabarabran, NSW, in November 2010.A single bird was spotted by us at Bingara, NSW, in January 2012.
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Photos |
Brown Goshawk, probably a 2nd year female (as indicated by the conspicuously dark pattern on its front)
Female Brown Goshawk in flight; this bird caused quite a
commotion in a eucalypt tree, close to nests of several other species
Frontal view of an immature Brown Goshawk
The bird decided to take a rest at our pond
With several Pied
Currawongs around it, the bird was careful, but after a few
moments it settled into a more comfortable position...
... before deciding to test the waters - yikes, that pool is not
heated! 
But one can get used to it
Done! Here a lateral view of the bird
Brown Goshawk(?) in flight; the identification is made based on the length and relatively dark colour of the tail (as compared to the rest of the bird's body)
The same bird as above, slightly different posture
In this photo the colours are inferior, but the long tail with its rounded tip (which distinguishes the species from the similar Collared Sparrowhawk) is very clearly visible
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Food |
| Adults: Small mammals, birds | Dependents: As adults | Water intake: None |
All raptors are carnivores. Brown Goshawks prey on small mammals and other bird species.
During the first few weeks, raptors feed their chicks with pieces of meat. Later on in their development, the chicks learn to tear apart their parents' prey.
