Brown Goshawk

1. Heavy brow ridge and thick yellow legs.

2. Long, rounded tail with dark bands.

3. Adults have bright yellow eyes; juveniles have grey-brown eyes.

Brown Goshawks hunt by waiting silently and then launching a rapid, surprise attack on prey, using their agility to navigate through dense vegetation. Their diet includes small birds, mammals (such as rabbits and mice), reptiles, insects, and occasionally carrion. Both parents defend the nest aggressively, and established pairs may reuse the same nest site for several years. Young birds can travel more than 9 km to establish their own territories. Breeding usually occurs from July to December, with two to four eggs laid in a large stick nest lined with fresh leaves.

Brown Goshawks are widespread in Australia, also occurring in New Guinea, New Caledonia, and parts of the Pacific. They prefer areas with ample tree cover, such as forests, woodlands, and urban parks. They are often seen perched quietly within dense foliage or gliding through trees, especially at dawn or dusk. They build nests high in tall trees, often near water or at the edge of forests.