The red goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus) is a rare bird of prey native to Australia. This raptor is known for its specialized ecological role and is considered one of the oldest birds of prey in Northern Australia. Its limited population numbers across northern and eastern Australia highlight its importance to the region’s biodiversity.
Identifying the Red Goshawk
Adult red goshawks are large hawks, comparable in size to a buzzard. They have grayish-brown plumage on their back with golden yellow spots. Their underparts are rufous, with the head streaked black and white, and white on the face and throat.
The underside of their flight feathers is predominantly white, sometimes displaying black barring with dark brown or black wingtips. Their face feathers are lighter, with a single black bar, and the crown and nape are heavily streaked with black.
Females are typically larger than males. These physical attributes help differentiate the red goshawk from other raptors.
Where the Red Goshawk Lives
The red goshawk primarily inhabits coastal and sub-coastal tall open forests and woodlands, tropical savannas traversed by wooded rivers, and the edges of rainforests and freshwater wetlands. These areas feature permanent water sources, which support diverse bird prey.
Their geographic distribution spans northern and eastern Australia, though their presence is fragmented and sparse. Historically, their range extended further south in eastern Australia, but it has since contracted, with the species now virtually extinct in New South Wales. Recent surveys indicate continuous breeding across northern Australia, and they are particularly common on Melville and Bathurst Islands. The red goshawk prefers intact, extensive woodlands and forests that offer a mosaic of open vegetation, allowing for fast, maneuvering flight.
Life and Habits of the Red Goshawk
Red goshawks are typically observed alone, though occasionally they can be seen in pairs or family groups. Some breeding pairs may remain in their nesting territory year-round, while some adult females might migrate from northern Australia to more southerly ranges outside the breeding season. Juveniles are known to disperse widely, accounting for many sightings beyond core breeding areas.
Their diet primarily consists of birds, including water birds like ducks or small herons, as well as cockatoos and pigeons. They also occasionally consume lizards, dead fish, and nestlings of other birds. While much of their prey is taken on the ground, they are agile enough to catch birds in flight.
The red goshawk constructs a large nest of sticks high in an exposed fork of a tall, emergent tree, often near watercourses. These stick platforms are typically lined with green leaves and measure between 60-120 cm across and 30-50 cm deep. The egg-laying season in the tropical north is from May to October, and from August to October in the east. A clutch usually consists of one or two bluish-white, glossless eggs. Incubation lasts approximately 40 days, followed by a nestling period of 51-53 days, and juveniles remain dependent on their parents for an additional two to three months.
Protecting the Red Goshawk
The red goshawk is currently listed as Endangered under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). It is also classified as Endangered in Queensland and New South Wales, and Vulnerable in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The species faces significant threats, primarily habitat loss and fragmentation due to widespread land clearance for agriculture. Even when riparian strips are left uncleared, the tallest nesting trees can become exposed to storm damage and other disturbances.
Logging further exacerbates habitat degradation, reducing the availability of suitable nesting and foraging grounds. Bushfires pose a direct threat, as they can lead to the burning of nest trees or disrupt breeding cycles. Other threats include egg-collecting and shooting by pigeon and poultry owners.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining populations and their habitats. BirdLife International has identified several important sites for red goshawk conservation:
- Lilyvale in Far North Queensland
- Kakadu Savanna
- The Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory
- Mornington Sanctuary in the Kimberley region of Western Australia
These initiatives focus on preserving extensive woodlands and forests with permanent water sources, which are considered habitat critical for the species’ survival.