Henst's goshawk is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter. It is a large, diurnal bird endemic to the island of Madagascar. It is an obligate forest species that occurs at very low densities on the island and is rarely seen. It can only occupy the primary and secondary forests found within the island. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, and plantations. It is threatened by habitat loss within Madagascar.
Region
Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen forests of eastern and northeastern Madagascar and in suitable taller forest patches elsewhere on the island. It favors extensive tracts of intact primary forest but may also use well-developed secondary forest and forested plantations adjacent to natural habitat. Typically keeps to interior forest and along riparian corridors, avoiding open country. It is rare and patchily distributed wherever large forest blocks persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Henst's goshawk is a large, elusive forest raptor confined to Madagascar’s remaining primary and mature secondary forests. It hunts by stealth beneath the canopy and occurs at very low densities, making sightings rare. Ongoing deforestation and forest fragmentation are the principal threats to the species across its range.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats interspersed with glides; agile canopy flier
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside the breeding season, holding large territories in continuous forest. Pairs are monogamous and nest high in tall trees, often near clearings or stream corridors within forest. Clutch size is small and young fledge after a prolonged nest period, reflecting a slow life history.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Typically quiet, but during breeding gives series of sharp, accelerating kek-kek-kek notes and ringing whistles. Contact calls are short, hard yaps; alarm calls are louder and more repeated.
