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Grey Goshawk
Birds diurnal

Grey Goshawk

Tachyspiza novaehollandiae

Often called the 'Ghost of the Forest,' the Grey Goshawk is one of Australia’s most breathtaking birds of prey. Whether in its sleek grey plumage or its legendary pure-white form, this powerful hunter is the ultimate prize for any backyard camera enthusiast.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 40-55 cm (16-22 in); Wingspan: 70-110 cm (27-43 in); Weight: 350-1000g (0.8-2.2 lbs)

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Colors

Exists in two forms: the grey morph (pale grey upperparts, white underparts with fine grey bars) and the famous white morph (entirely pure white plumage). Both have bright yellow-orange legs and striking red eyes.

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Key Features

  • Pure white plumage (in the white morph) or pale grey back
  • Sturdy, powerful yellow/orange legs and cere
  • Deep ruby-red eyes in adults
  • Short, rounded wings and a long tail

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal
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Peak hours 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Season Year-round, with increased visibility during the July-December breeding season.
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Diet A versatile carnivore that preys on birds, small mammals like possums and rabbits, reptiles, and large insects. They use a sudden burst of speed from a concealed perch to surprise their prey.
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Habitat Primarily rainforests, tall wet forests, and timbered watercourses, but frequently visits leafy suburban parks and gardens with mature trees.

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Behavior

The Grey Goshawk is a master of the 'sit-and-wait' ambush, a stealthy hunter that prefers the dense cover of the forest canopy over open-sky soaring. While other raptors might circle high above searching for movement, this goshawk perches quietly, perfectly camouflaged, until it spots an opportunity. It is incredibly agile, capable of twisting through thick branches at high speeds to chase down smaller birds or mammals.

Though they are generally solitary and somewhat secretive, they become much more vocal and active during the breeding season. They are highly territorial and will vigorously defend their nesting sites. In suburban areas, they are often surprisingly bold, especially if they have discovered a consistent food source like a bird feeder or a garden with high avian activity. Seeing the white morph glide through a dark forest is a truly ethereal experience, often described by birdwatchers as a 'moving ghost.'

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Camera Tips

To successfully capture a Grey Goshawk on your AI camera, your secret weapon is water. These hawks are known for their frequent bathing habits, especially in the heat of the day. If you have a large, heavy birdbath or a shallow stone pond, position your camera about 2 feet off the ground and 6-10 feet away. Ensure the camera has a clear line of sight, as these large birds require a bit of 'runway' to land comfortably. Using a wide-angle lens setting helps capture the full wingspan when they arrive or depart.

If you are setting up in a more wooded area, look for 'plucking posts'—these are flat stumps or low, horizontal branches where a goshawk might take its prey to eat. You can spot these by looking for scattered feathers or small bone fragments on the forest floor. Mounting your camera 5 feet high on a neighboring tree, angled 15 degrees downward, can yield incredible action shots of the bird in its natural element. Because these raptors are lightning-fast, set your trigger speed to the fastest possible setting (0.2s or less) and use a high-speed 'burst' or 'photo-burst' mode to ensure you don't just get a blur of feathers.

Lighting is the most significant challenge when photographing the white morph. A pure white bird in dappled forest light will often 'blow out' (become a featureless white shape) on standard camera settings. If your camera allows for exposure compensation, dial it down to -0.5 or -1.0. Position the camera so it is not facing the direct morning or afternoon sun; North or South-facing setups are best to keep the lighting consistent and soft, which preserves the texture and detail of the plumage.

Finally, consider the time of year. During the breeding season (roughly July to December), Goshawks are much more active and likely to move lower into the canopy or even visit garden water features to cool down. If your camera supports audio recording, listen for their rapid, high-pitched 'keek-keek-keek' call—this is often your first sign that a bird is in the vicinity and may be about to land near your setup. Placing your camera near tall, mature trees that offer a clear view of the surrounding yard will increase your chances of capturing them as they scan for prey.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Grey Goshawk.

Brown Goshawk

The Brown Goshawk has a prominent brow ridge and a rounded tail, whereas the Grey Goshawk has a square-tipped tail and a heavier build.

Collared Sparrowhawk

Much smaller and more slender than the Grey Goshawk, with a very long middle toe and a notched tail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grey Goshawks are diurnal hunters, meaning they are active during the day. You are most likely to see them in the early morning shortly after sunrise or in the late afternoon as they make their final hunts before dusk.
The best way to attract a Grey Goshawk is by providing a large, clean water source like a sturdy birdbath. They are also drawn to gardens with plenty of cover and high populations of smaller birds or mammals, which serve as their natural prey.
They have a diverse diet including small mammals like rabbits and possums, a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and large insects. They are ambush predators that strike quickly from a hidden perch.
Yes, they are increasingly common in leafy suburbs that have mature trees and established gardens. They are adaptable and will hunt in residential areas where food and high perches are available.
The Grey Goshawk is generally bulkier with a shorter, more 'gentle' looking face compared to the 'angry' beetling brow of the Brown Goshawk. Additionally, the white morph of the Grey Goshawk is unique and cannot be confused with any other species.

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