Tachyspiza luteoschistacea
The Slaty-mantled Goshawk, *Tachyspiza luteoschistacea*, is a striking medium-sized raptor endemic to the island of New Guinea and its satellite islands. This species measures approximately 28-40 cm in length, with females being significantly larger at 35-40 cm compared to males at 28-35 cm. While precise wingspan figures are less commonly documented, it likely ranges from 54-70 cm, enabling agile flight through dense forest. Adults are characterized by their distinctive slate-grey upperparts...
This goshawk primarily inhabits lowland and hill primary rainforests, extending into mature secondary growth and forest edges, typically at elevations from sea level up to 1800 meters.
Their diet consists mainly of small birds, lizards, large insects, and occasionally small mammals, ambushed from a concealed perch within the forest understory or canopy.
Slaty-mantled Goshawks are diurnal and highly secretive, spending most of their time hidden within the dense canopy, making observation challenging. They are solitary ambush predators, perching inconspicuously on a hidden branch and launching swift, agile attacks on unsuspecting prey below or wea...
The Slaty-mantled Goshawk is endemic to the vast island of New Guinea, encompassing both the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and Papua, and the independent nation of Papua New Guinea. Its distribution extends to a few adjacent satellite islands, most notably Yapen Island. This species is a non...
Least Concern
- The Slaty-mantled Goshawk was recently reclassified from the genus *Accipiter* to *Tachyspiza*, a significant taxonomic update for Old World sparrowhawks and goshawks. - This species is an expert in forest stealth; its slate-grey plumage provides excellent camouflage against tree bark and shado...