The brown goshawk 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.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Found across most of Australia including Tasmania, and extending to some nearby islands and parts of New Guinea. It occupies eucalypt forests, open woodlands, riparian corridors, and coastal scrub, and readily uses shelterbelts and urban parks. The species favors habitat edges and mosaic landscapes where cover and open hunting spaces meet. It nests high in trees, often within dense foliage for concealment.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The brown goshawk is a swift, agile forest hawk that often hunts by surprise from a hidden perch along woodland edges. Females are notably larger than males, a common pattern in raptors. It is frequently confused with the similar collared sparrowhawk; the goshawk has a heavier build, broader hand, and a more prominent brow ridge. In many areas it adapts well to farmland and suburban parks with mature trees.
An immature brown goshawk flying in Tasmania, Australia
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; highly maneuverable through cover
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs that defend a wooded territory. The nest is a stick platform placed high in a tree, often reused and refurbished annually. Clutches usually contain 2–4 eggs; both adults attend the young, with the female brooding and the male providing much of the food early on.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Usually quiet away from the nest, but near breeding sites it gives sharp, rapid kek-kek-kek alarm calls. Courtship and territory displays include ringing whistles and chatter. Calls are higher and more frequent during incubation and when disturbed.
Plumage
Upperparts are brown to slate-brown with a contrastingly banded tail; underparts show rufous to cinnamon barring over whitish ground. Feathers are sleek and close-fitted, with a pronounced heavy browed look to the face. Juveniles are browner with streakier underparts.
Diet
Primarily hunts small to medium birds, as well as small mammals such as rodents and young rabbits. It also takes reptiles and large insects when available. Hunting is typically by perch-and-pounce or short, fast pursuits through trees and along edges. Prey is plucked on a favored stump or branch before eating.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along woodland edges, riparian strips, and shelterbelts where cover meets open spaces. Readily uses parks, large gardens, and farmlands with scattered trees for ambush points.
