The white-bellied goshawk also known as the New Caledonia goshawk, white-bellied sparrowhawk, or katabeialek by locals is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is endemic to New Caledonia.. This species was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs across New Caledonia’s main island (Grande Terre) and nearby islets in humid evergreen forest, gallery forest, and maquis shrubland edges. It favors interior forest but regularly hunts along clearings, tracks, and plantation margins. The species uses riparian corridors and foothill valleys, and occasionally ranges into secondary growth where tree cover remains. It is a resident, territorial raptor throughout its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the New Caledonia goshawk or white-bellied sparrowhawk, this raptor is found only in New Caledonia and is known locally as katabeialek. It hunts by perching quietly within forest and darting out after prey, making it elusive despite occurring near forest edges. Habitat loss and disturbance are ongoing concerns for the species. It is the archipelago’s only resident accipiter, reducing confusion with similar species.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; agile, flap-and-glide through forest
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs that defend well-defined territories. Breeding pairs nest in tall trees, constructing a stick platform lined with greenery. Clutches are small and both adults provision the young. Courtship displays include soaring above the canopy and vocal exchanges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, repeated kek-kek-kek notes and a piercing kiik alarm call. During breeding, pairs exchange higher-pitched, faster series that carry through forest. Calls are most frequent at dawn and in territorial encounters.
Plumage
Clean white underparts contrasting with slate-grey upperparts; tail and remiges show dark barring. Plumage is sleek and compact, suited for maneuvering through forest. Under-tail coverts and belly are bright white, giving a sharp two-toned look.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small birds, large insects, and lizards; occasionally takes small mammals. Hunts by sit-and-wait from shaded perches, launching rapid, low-level pursuits through understory or along edges. Will also snatch prey from foliage or the ground after short dashes. Opportunistic, adjusting prey choice to local availability.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, riparian strips, and tracks where visibility and ambush opportunities are good. Uses interior forest perches near gaps and canopy breaks.
