The longer central tail feather in photo 1 suggests Brown Goshawk and this is also just visible in photos 2 and 3. I wouldn’t bet a sheep station on it but I am favouring Brown Goshawk. I would be keen to see what others (?Stephen Debus) say. The wings do look broad like a Sparrowhawk’s but the Goshawk’s wings are also rather broad.
Greg Dr Greg. P. Clancy Ecologist and Birding-wildlife Guide PO Box 63 Coutts Crossing NSW 2460 0266493153 0429601960
I’m no Stephen Debus, but the bird’s GISS looks good for Brown Goshawk to me.
I agree with what Greg has mentioned about the wing and that is what is bothering me, I would have expected BrGos would have more length vs width in the wing profile in soaring mode (may not be fully stretched though). Tail could be a little short as well? There is a bit of a bulge in the back of the secondaries that is Sparrowhawk-esque as well.
As Nikolas pointed out it was the bulky body that pulled me toward BG as well.
Am I picking up immature plumage though? Dappled breast perhaps?. Might be the reasons for wing and tail shortcomings and the hooded look referred to by Harry??
Allan Richardson Morisset NSW
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Hi guys,
I agree with Greg regarding the longer central tail feathers. This plus the stockiness of the bird makes me think Brown Goshawk, too. I would even go one step further and say that due to its relative bulk it even might be a female Brown Goshawk. But I may be mislead by the photographs.
As this is indeed not a super-easy topic, I am curious to hear the opinion of some professional Accipiterists 😉
Cheers,
Nikolas