Observations on the Biology of the Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus in Queensland

Abstract

During field surveys of the Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus in northern Queensland in the 1999 and 2000 breeding seasons, notes were obtained on the Goshawk’s breeding biology, diet and foraging on Cape York Peninsula. Egg-laying occurred from early July to early September, with fledging in November and December. Six nests were high (25–30 m) in emergent mature eucalypts or paperbarks, beside breaks in the forest or woodland canopy, within 1 km of water. Inter-pair distances were 7–11 km between active nests, with males having large foraging ranges (extending at least 3–5 km from the nest). Courtship displays, parental behaviour, sex-roles and nestling growth are described qualitatively. Diet consisted of birds (mainly parrots and large passerines); three direct flying and tail-chasing attacks on prey are described.