The black-mantled goshawk is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is found in the highlands of New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. This species was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
This species occurs across the mountainous spine of New Guinea, from Papua and West Papua (Indonesia) eastward into Papua New Guinea. It inhabits primary and mature secondary rainforest, favoring forest edges, ridgelines, and gaps. Birds are also seen along riverine corridors and in mosaic landscapes with tall forest adjoining gardens or clearings. While most frequent in uplands, it can descend to lower foothills where continuous canopy remains. It uses the midstory to canopy for hunting and transit and occasionally soars above the treetops in calm conditions.
Altitude Range
200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-mantled goshawk is a secretive forest raptor endemic to the island of New Guinea, most often encountered in the upland and montane zones. Its dark upperparts and swift, low-level flights through trees can make it hard to distinguish from other forest Accipiters. It hunts by perch-and-ambush along forest edges and clearings. Taxonomy has been debated in the past, with treatments varying on its placement within the Accipiter group.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift dashes through forest; occasional soaring above canopy
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, maintaining territories along forested ridges and edges. Pairs likely form long-term bonds and perform display flights over the canopy during the breeding season. Nests are placed high in tall trees, constructed of sticks and lined with fresh leaves; clutch size is typically small.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sparse and often given at dawn: a series of high, thin whistles or a repeated ki-ki-ki note sequence. Agitated birds give sharp kek-kek calls and a chattering alarm. Calls carry through the forest but are less frequent outside the breeding period.
Plumage
Upperparts are slate-black to sooty black, forming a distinct dark mantle and back with darker wings and tail. Underparts are pale whitish to light grey with fine grey barring that is most evident on the flanks and lower belly. The tail is long and broadly barred, and the underwings show contrasting pale coverts with darker flight feathers. Juveniles are browner above with buffy, streaked underparts.
Diet
A perch-and-ambush predator taking small birds, lizards, and small mammals such as rodents. It also captures large insects and occasionally raids nestlings. Hunts are typically brief, rapid pursuits launched from concealed perches. Prey is seized with powerful talons and subdued quickly.
Preferred Environment
Most often hunts along forest edges, gaps, and over narrow clearings where prey movement is easier to detect. It also works along rivers and streams and along the margins of montane gardens. Within intact forest it uses midstory perches with clear strike lanes.
