The Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus: A Review

Abstract

The literature concerning the Red Goshawk's morphology, habitat, population status, prey, hunting methods and breeding biology is reviewed and supplemented with field observations and museum data. The Red Goshawk is considered a specialised inhabitant of climax vegetation communities in the biologically richest parts of Australia; it appears sensitive to ecological disturbance. It possibly has specific structural habitat requirements for hunting, and breeds in sclerophyllous vegetation. Nests are placed near water, in mature living Eucalyptus or Melaleuca trees. It is a bird specialist (preying especially on water birds, pigeons, parrots and large passerines), but also takes some mammals, reptiles and insects. It apparently has a low breeding density, large territory and traditional nest site; a low recruitment rate; and long nestling and post-fledging dependence periods. Although there has been little historical change in the Red Goshawk's gross distribution, it appears to have declined in density and in the size of its breeding population, commensurate with substantial habitat loss and declines in abundance of some of its prey species. It may also have been declining before European settlement, as a result of climatic change and competition from colonising raptor species similar in size and ecology.