Megatriorchis doriae
Doria's Hawk (*Megatriorchis doriae*) is an exceptionally striking and enigmatic raptor, endemic to the lowland rainforests of New Guinea and its satellite islands. This magnificent bird of prey is characterized by its robust build, relatively short, rounded wings, and an unusually long tail, giving it an almost accipiter-like agility despite its larger size, typically measuring 51-70 cm in length with a wingspan ranging from 100-115 cm. Adults display slate-grey to brownish-grey upperparts c...
This specialized raptor inhabits dense primary lowland and hill rainforests, typically found from sea level up to around 1400 meters, preferring undisturbed forest with a well-developed canopy.
This powerful hawk primarily preys on birds, including pigeons and kingfishers, as well as small arboreal mammals and reptiles, employing an ambush and pursuit hunting technique within the forest.
Doria's Hawk is a largely arboreal and highly elusive diurnal hunter, often perching motionless for extended periods within the dense forest canopy, making it exceptionally difficult to observe. Its primary foraging strategy involves swift, agile dashes through the undergrowth, ambushing prey in ...
The Doria's Hawk is endemic to the island of New Guinea, encompassing both the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and Papua, and the independent nation of Papua New Guinea. Its distribution also extends to the nearby Aru Islands, Indonesia. This resident species is found throughout the lowlands a...
Least Concern
- Doria's Hawk is the only member of the genus *Megatriorchis*, highlighting its unique evolutionary divergence. - It was named in honor of Giacomo Doria, an Italian naturalist and senator, who was a contemporary of Tommaso Salvadori, the describer of the species. - Despite its large size, it is ...