The imitator goshawk or imitator sparrowhawk is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter. It is found on the islands of Bougainville, Choiseul and Santa Isabel in the Solomon Islands archipelago. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Solomon Islands archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs on Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) and the Solomon Islands of Choiseul and Santa Isabel. It favors intact subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests, hunting within the mid-story and canopy. The species can use forest edges and mature secondary growth but is most associated with primary rainforest. It is typically scarce and local, with detections concentrated in quieter, less disturbed forest tracts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive forest raptor of the Solomon Islands archipelago, the imitator goshawk is often detected by its sharp calls rather than seen. Its common name alludes to its resemblance to other small Accipiter hawks, which can make field identification tricky. It inhabits both lowland and montane rainforests and is thought to persist in mature secondary forest as well. Very little is published about its breeding biology, and the species remains poorly studied.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides through forest
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs. Likely forms monogamous pairs that defend territories in forested habitat. Nests are presumed to be stick platforms high in trees, with small clutches typical of Accipiters, though details are poorly documented.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, high-pitched whistles and rapid kek-kek series, especially at dawn. Vocalizations carry through the canopy but are often brief and sporadic, aiding detection in dense forest.
Plumage
Adult shows grey to brownish-grey upperparts with finely barred whitish to rufous underparts; tail is distinctly banded. Juveniles are browner above with heavier streaking and barring below. Compact, short-winged, long-tailed silhouette typical of forest Accipiters.
Diet
Primarily hunts small birds, large insects, and lizards, occasionally taking small mammals. It uses perch-and-ambush tactics, launching swift dashes through vegetation. Prey is usually seized in short pursuits within the mid-story or at forest edges. Like other sparrowhawks, it relies on agility and cover to surprise prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense primary and mature secondary rainforest, especially along interior trails, ridges, and natural openings. Also hunts near forest edges and clearings where small birds congregate.
