The New Britain sparrowhawk is a threatened species of bird of prey. It is endemic to two Papua New Guinea islands, New Britain and New Ireland. Even in 1934 Ernst Mayr, in his survey of mountain bird life during the Whitney South Sea Expedition, found the New Britain sparrowhawk to be very rare. This species was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter.
Region
Bismarck Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary rainforest, favoring foothill and montane slopes, ridgelines, and forest edges. It is most often recorded within the interior or along gaps and clearings where hunting lanes exist. The species tolerates some forest disturbance but declines sharply where large tracts are logged or converted to plantations. Records suggest a patchy distribution tied to intact canopy and midstory structure.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive forest raptor is confined to New Britain and New Ireland in Papua New Guinea and is seldom seen, often detected only by its sharp, rapid calls. It was long treated within Accipiter and is still commonly listed there, though its relationships have been debated. Habitat loss from logging and agricultural conversion is the principal threat. It hunts with sudden, fast dashes through dense foliage, taking small birds, lizards, and large insects.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes through cover; occasional soaring over ridges
Social Behavior
Typically encountered as single birds or pairs. Presumed monogamous, nesting high in forest trees where cover is dense. Displays are thought to include short soaring bouts over territory, especially in the breeding season. Nesting biology remains poorly known due to the species’ rarity and elusive habits.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high-pitched, rapid kek-kek or kik-kik series, often from within canopy cover. Calls may accelerate into a chatter during territorial or alarmed situations.
Plumage
Compact sparrowhawk with slate-grey upperparts and finely barred tail; underparts warm rufous to buff with fine pale barring, cleaner on the belly. The throat is pale with subtle streaking, and the underwings show light barring. Juveniles are browner above with heavier streaking below.
Diet
Preys on small birds, lizards, and large insects such as orthopterans and beetles. Typically hunts from a concealed perch, launching swift ambushes along forest trails, edges, and light gaps. Will also quarter along ridgelines and canopy openings to surprise prey.
Preferred Environment
Dense interior rainforest and edges where perches and narrow flight lanes are available. Uses midstory and subcanopy strata, occasionally descending to understory near clearings.
