Christmas Island Goshawk predation on Abbott’s Booby chick and competition with a Robber Crab

Abstract

The Christmas Island Goshawk Accipiter hiogaster natalis is endemic to Christmas Island, Indian Ocean. Little is known of its ecology. Here, for the first time, predation by a Christmas Island Goshawk on an Abbott’s Booby Papasula abbotti nestling is described, as is the ensuing tug of war between the Goshawk and a Robber Crab Birgus latro. The observations provide insights into the hunting behaviour, prey value, and food competition of this scarcely known raptor.