Henst's Goshawk

Astur henstii

Vulnerable · IUCN Red List

VUVulnerableForestLarge · 609 g

ID tip

Henst's goshawk is a large forest raptor with a body length of 52 to 62 cm (20 to 24 in). The wingspan is between 86 and 100 cm (34 and 39 in). There is a notable size discrepancy between males and females, with males weighing 609 g (1.343 lb) on average and the larger females weighing 960 to 1,140 g (2.12 to 2.51 lb) on average. It is one of the world's largest hawks, rivaling the Eurasian goshawk and Meyer's goshawk. The body is mostly covered in a dark brownish-grey plumage that is quite indistinct while the underparts are lighter in colouration and have a barred pattern. Voice: The basic call is a loud, crackling and rapid "ang-ang-ang-ang...". These vocalizations can be heard crackling through the canopy when in flight. However, these calls are rarely heard as Henst's is a more secretive species. Except for the breeding season, when Henst's goshawk can be very loud and vocal.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

About the Henst's Goshawk

Henst's goshawk is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter. It is a large, diurnal bird endemic to the island of Madagascar. It is an obligate forest species that occurs at very low densities on the island and is rarely seen. It can only occupy the primary and secondary forests found within the island. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, and plantations. It is threatened by habitat loss within Madagascar.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Easily confused with

Learn the Henst's Goshawk in the BeakBrain App

Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Play today's Daily Bird

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.