The white morphs of this species and the closely related variable goshawk are the only birds of prey in the world to be entirely white.
WA: Endangered; TAS: Endangered; NT: Endangered
Indigenous: New Holland Goshawk, Grey-Backed Goshawk, White Goshawk, White Hawk
At a glance
FamilyHawks, Eagles, and Kites
SizeGiant
RarityCommon
HabitatTypically occurs in wet forested areas, including dense rainforest.
Best timeReported across most months in New South Wales, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by ron_willemsen
Range map
Range map
1526visible hotspots
8965visible records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Both morphs have yellow legs, red eyes. Note broader wings than Brown Goshawk.
Behavior
Typically occurs in wet forested areas, including dense rainforest.
Gallery
Regional timing
New South Wales
Tasmania
Queensland
Victoria
Northern Territory
Australian Capital Territory
South Australia
Western Australia
Commonly confused with
Square-tailed KiteLophoictinia isuraAdult has a pale head and reddish underparts with black streaks on neck. Juvenile has a more reddish head with less streaking. In flight, tail has obvious square corners with a dark band at the base. Occurs singly or in pairs. At a distance, and particularly when heavily worn, take care to identify juvenile birds from Black Kite, which has more uniformly patterned plumage.→Pacific BazaAviceda subcristataWhen perched it is easily distinguished from other species by small black crest on the back of gray head and enormous yellow eyes, prominent brown stripes on white belly. Often found in suburban areas. Crashes into foliage to snatch insect prey.→Black-shouldered KiteElanus axillarisUnderparts white with two black patches on underwing, extending from→