Crested Goshawk Bird Details
Accipiter trivirgatus
Crested Goshawk,Malampulli, Southern Crested Goshawk, Indian sparrow hawk, Turewala Sasana;
Chhatri-dhar Baza
Temminck in 1824.
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Accipiter
India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, and the Western Ghats), Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan, Brunei
Appearance :
The Crested Goshawk is a small to medium-sized raptor with a distinctive crest on its head, which can be raised when alert. It has short, rounded wings and a long tail. The upperparts are dark grey or brown, and the underparts are whitish with reddish-brown streaks or bars. The eyes are bright yellow, and the legs are yellow with strong talons. Males are slightly smaller than females, and juveniles are more streaked than adults.
Behaviour :
The Crested Goshawk is known for its stealthy hunting behavior, often ambushing its prey from a concealed perch. It is agile in flight and uses short bursts of speed to capture small birds, mammals, and insects. They are solitary hunters and very territorial during the breeding season. They are generally quiet but may produce sharp calls during breeding.
Habitat :
This species prefers dense forests, including tropical and subtropical woodlands, evergreen forests, and areas near human habitation like plantations and gardens with large trees. They are found at elevations ranging from sea level to around 2,000 meters.
Diet :
The Crested Goshawk primarily feeds on small birds, mammals (like rodents and bats), lizards, frogs, and large insects. It often perches quietly in dense foliage and swoops down on its prey.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
This species has a wide distribution across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of East Asia. It can be found from the Indian subcontinent to China and throughout Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Population Size :
The global population of the Crested Goshawk is estimated to be stable.
Life Span :
In the wild, the Crested Goshawk can live up to 10 to 12 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Crested Goshawk is a medium-sized raptor with a distinctive short crest on its head. It has a stocky, robust body, short wings, and a long tail, which is well-suited for fast, agile flight through dense vegetation.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (the lower leg segment) length is generally 40 to 50 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively large in proportion to the body, with a noticeable short crest that can be raised when alert. It has sharp yellow eyes and a hooked bill typical of raptors.
- Bill: The bill is short, curved, and sharp, designed for tearing prey.
- Bill Length: The bill length is approximately 1.5 to 2 cm.
Length :
The Crested Goshawk measures around 30 to 46 cm in total length.
Neck :
The neck is short and muscular, aiding in swift head movements while hunting.
Size :
The Crested Goshawk is a medium-sized raptor.
Tail Details :
Tail: The tail is long and broad, with dark barring. It is crucial for maneuverability in dense forest environments.
Tail Length: The tail length is usually around 16 to 20 cm, depending on the individual’s size.
Feathers: Feathers on the body are generally dark brown or grey on the upperparts, with streaked or barred patterns on the underparts. The feathers of the crest, when raised, give a striking look. Juveniles have more streaking and lighter plumage.
Weight :
Males weigh around 160 to 190 grams, while females are larger, weighing approximately 220 to 290 grams.
Wing :
The wings are short and rounded, which helps with quick and agile flight in densely wooded habitats.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 55 to 80 cm, with females generally having a slightly larger wingspan than males.
Facial Feature :
The Crested Goshawk has a distinct short crest that is often raised when alert or excited. It has piercing yellow eyes, a short hooked beak, and a facial disk structure that enhances its hearing while hunting.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Crested Goshawk builds its nest high up in trees, usually at a height of 10 to 25 meters above the ground. Nests are often placed in the forks of large trees.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is constructed from twigs and sticks and is lined with softer materials like leaves, bark, or feathers for insulation and comfort.
Breeding Season :
The Crested Goshawk breeds during the spring and early summer months, typically from February to June
Nesting Season :
The nesting season occurs primarily between March and June.
Egg Color :
Eggs are generally whitish or bluish-white, often with light brown or greyish spots.
Egg Length :
Eggs are about 40 to 45 mm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Eggs are approximately 35 mm in width.
- Egg Weight: The weight of each egg is about 25 to 30 grams.
Clutch Size :
The female typically lays a clutch of 2 to 4 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Crested Goshawks usually have one brood per year. In rare cases, if the first brood fails, they may attempt a second clutch.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts for 28 to 30 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestling period lasts around 35 to 40 days before the young fledge (leave the nest).
Vocalization :
The Crested Goshawk is relatively quiet but produces a variety of calls, especially during the breeding season. Typical calls include sharp, repeated "ki-ki-ki" or "kek-kek-kek" sounds, used for communication between mates or as alarm calls.
Sex Demorphism :
The plumage is similar for both sexes, but females tend to have more robust features. Juveniles have a more streaked appearance compared to adults.
Migration Details :
The Crested Goshawk is largely non-migratory and is a resident species throughout its range. However, there may be some local movements in response to food availability and seasonal changes. It is primarily found in forested areas year-round.