How to identify the Crested Goshawk

To correctly identify the Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

30-46 cm

Wingspan

60-87 cm

Weight

220-450 g (male), 340-600 g (female)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a dark grey to brownish-grey back, head, and crest. The underparts are white with prominent rufous-brown barring on the breast and flanks, and a streaked throat. The tail is dark with 3-4 broad pale bands. The undertail coverts are white. The flight feathers are barred. Some subspecies may show more rufous tones.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Strong, hooked beak, dark grey to black with a yellow cere.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Bright yellow to orange-yellow in adults, paler in juveniles.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Yellow to orange-yellow.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Short, erectile crest (often difficult to see unless agitated), broad rufous-brown barring on underparts, streaked throat, and a relatively short, broad-winged silhouette in flight. The dark mesial stripe on the throat is also a good field mark.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles have browner upperparts with pale feather edgings, giving a scaled appearance. Underparts are buffy white with heavy dark brown streaking on the breast and belly, often forming a 'tear-drop' pattern. The eyes are paler yellow. The crest may be less developed.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent year-round after reaching adult coloration.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Females are noticeably larger and heavier than males, but plumage is similar. Males tend to be more richly colored on the underparts.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Medium-sized Accipiter with relatively broad, rounded wings and a long tail. Appears robust. Females are significantly larger than males.
• Plumage (Adult). Look for the dark grey upperparts, prominent rufous-brown barring on the white underparts (especially breast and flanks), and a streaked throat. The dark mesial stripe on the throat is a good indicator. Tail has broad pale bands.
• Crest. While often subtle, a short, erectile crest on the nape can be seen, especially when the bird is alert or agitated. This is a key feature for its common name.
• Eye and Leg Color. Bright yellow to orange-yellow eyes and yellow to orange-yellow legs are characteristic of adults.
• Juvenile Plumage. Young birds are browner above with pale feather edges and have heavy dark brown streaking (often tear-drop shaped) on buffy-white underparts. Eyes are paler yellow.
• Flight. Powerful, agile flight with rapid wing beats and glides. Often flies low through forest canopy or along edges. Soars with wings held in a slight dihedral.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its distinctive sharp, high-pitched 'ki-ki-ki-ki' or 'kew-kew-kew' calls, especially during the breeding season.

Explore the Crested Goshawk