The grey goshawk is a strongly built, medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae that is found in eastern and northern Australia. The white morph of this species is known as the white goshawk. This species was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter.
Region
Eastern and Northern Australia and Tasmania
Typical Environment
Found from coastal and subcoastal eastern Australia through the Top End and across Tasmania. It occupies a range of wooded habitats including rainforests, wet and dry sclerophyll forests, riparian corridors, mangroves, and tall woodland. It often hunts along forest edges and clearings but requires trees for nesting and cover. In Tasmania, the white morph is prominent and uses similar habitats. Occasional use of semi-rural and farmland mosaics occurs where remnant tree cover persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species occurs in two striking color morphs: a slate-grey form and a pure white form known as the white goshawk, which is especially common in Tasmania. It is a stealthy, powerful forest hunter that ambushes prey from cover. Females are notably larger than males, a common trait in accipiters. Pairs can be very defensive around nests during the breeding season.
White morph
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; agile forest flier
Social Behavior
Typically forms long-term monogamous pairs that hold territories year-round. Nests are platform structures placed high in tall trees, often reused with refurbishment. Clutches are usually 2–3 eggs; the female incubates while the male supplies prey. Both adults aggressively defend the nest from intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Most vocal near the nest, giving sharp, repeated kek-kek or high-pitched screams. Contact calls between mates are softer, piping whistles. Vocal activity increases during courtship and territorial displays.
Plumage
Two morphs: a grey morph with slate-grey upperparts and pale grey to whitish underparts, and a white morph that is entirely white. Both morphs show a long, rounded, banded tail and broad, rounded wings suited to forest flight.
Diet
A versatile predator taking medium-sized birds, small mammals such as rodents and young rabbits, and occasionally reptiles and large insects. Hunts primarily by stealth, launching fast surprise attacks from concealed perches. It may pursue prey through dense canopy with agile, twisting flight. Prey is typically subdued quickly with powerful feet and talons.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, riparian strips, and clearings adjacent to dense cover. Also uses mangroves and tall eucalypt forests, and will work through shelterbelts or remnant trees in farmland. Perch-hunting from mid to upper canopy is typical.
