Grey Goshawk

Identification

The grey goshawk is a strongly built, medium-sized bird of prey with two distinct colour morphs. The grey morph displays a pale grey head and back, dark wingtips, barred grey breast and tail, and white underparts. The white morph, known as the white goshawk, is entirely white—one of only two birds of prey in the world to achieve this striking plumage (the other being the closely related variable goshawk). Grey goshawks are the largest Tachyspiza on mainland Australia, measuring 40 to 55 centimetres in length with wingspans of 70 to 110 centimetres. There is marked sexual dimorphism: females are considerably larger than males, averaging 720 grams (occasionally reaching 990 grams), while males average 355 grams.

Range & Habitat

The grey goshawk is found along the coasts of northern, eastern, and south-eastern Australia, Tasmania, and rarely Western Australia. It favours forests, tall woodlands, and timbered watercourses, showing a preference for well-vegetated habitats that provide both hunting grounds and nesting sites.

Behaviour & Diet

Grey goshawks are opportunistic hunters that employ stealth when pursuing prey, though they are also willing to engage in direct pursuit before striking with their talons. While birds remain their most frequent prey—including pigeons, parrots, currawongs, gamebirds, and herons—they also take mammals such as rabbits, possums, echidnas, and bats, along with small reptiles, amphibians, insects, and occasionally carrion. Sexual differences in hunting are pronounced: males typically select small to mid-sized passerines, while females hunt larger prey. Compared to co-occurring brown goshawks, grey goshawks are less agile in twisting aerial pursuits but compensate with greater power, allowing them to tackle larger quarry. Grey and white goshawks interbreed freely and form lifelong partnerships, breeding from July to December. Pairs nest in tall trees, constructing a platform of sticks and twigs lined with green leaves. Females lay clutches of 2 or 3 eggs, incubating them for approximately 35 days, with chicks fledging 35–40 days after hatching. The female typically handles incubation and chick feeding while the male undertakes most hunting duties.

Best Time & Places to See It

The breeding season from July to December offers excellent opportunities to observe grey goshawks, particularly near tall trees where nesting activity may be visible. Eastern and northern coastal regions of Australia, along with Tasmania, provide the most reliable sightings. Forested and timbered areas near watercourses should be prioritised when searching for this species.

Photography Tips

The contrasting plumage of the grey morph—pale upperparts against dark wingtips and barred markings—photographs beautifully in clear light. The white morph presents a striking subject but demands careful exposure metering to avoid blown highlights. In-flight photography is challenging due to the species' less agile aerial manoeuvres compared to other goshawks, but perched birds offer excellent opportunities. Position yourself with natural forest backdrop to complement the bird's woodland habitat. Early morning light during the breeding season may reveal hunting behaviour or nest-provisioning activities, providing dynamic storytelling opportunities for your portfolio.