The crested goshawk is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae that is widely distributed in tropical Asia. It was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Favors lowland and hill forests, including primary evergreen forest, secondary growth, and forest edges. Frequently uses wooded plantations, mangroves, and large urban parks with mature trees. Typically hunts within or just below the canopy, weaving through dense cover with agility. Tolerant of fragmented habitats where suitable tree cover and prey remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The crested goshawk is a stealthy forest raptor that often hunts from a concealed perch before making a rapid dash through the canopy. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes, and in some cities of tropical Asia it nests in large parks and wooded suburbs. Adults can raise a small erectile crest when alarmed or displaying. Like many raptors, females are larger than males.
Adults are plain dark grey-brown above. Note the crest.
Taiwan crested goshawk (L. t. formosae) eating a Taiwan barbet
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift dashes; agile flap-and-glide through canopy
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs construct a stick nest high in a tree and are monogamous for the season. They defend the nesting territory vigorously and deliver prey to the nest via concealed routes through the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high-pitched, repeated whistles and sharp kek-kek-kek calls, especially near the nest. Vocalizations can accelerate into a scolding series when agitated.
Plumage
Upperparts dark brown with a slightly greyer head and an erectile crest; underparts whitish with rich rufous to cinnamon barring across the breast and belly. Tail shows broad dark bands with a paler tip. Juveniles are browner with streaked rather than barred underparts.
Diet
Prey consists of small to medium birds, squirrels, bats, lizards, and large insects. Hunts by waiting quietly on a shaded perch and then launching a rapid surprise attack. Will also maneuver expertly through branches to flush prey at close range. Plucks avian prey and often consumes reptiles whole in pieces.
Preferred Environment
Usually hunts within forest interiors, edges, and along wooded streams. In towns, it patrols mature trees in parks, gardens, and campuses where birds and squirrels are abundant.
