An endangered Red Goshawk photographed in Central Australia last week marks the first confirmation of this species in the region for three decades. The raptor, described as Australia's rarest bird of prey, was spotted by resident ecologist Dr Tim Henderson at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, on Ngalia Walpiri and Luritja Country west of Alice Springs.
Dr Henderson, who leads a team of ecologists at the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) sanctuary, said it was a chance encounter that came as a big surprise.
"Last week I was out radio-tracking some possums in the northern part of the sanctuary when I saw this large, reddish-brown bird of prey flying overhead, which looked different to any species I'd expect to see out here," he said.
Tim Henderson/AWC Luckily, Dr Henderson had his camera at hand and was able to snap a series of clear photos before the bird flew out of sight. It was only when reviewing the images later and conferring with some trusted experts that his suspicions were confirmed. "My jaw dropped when I realised what it was," he said.
On Sunday, the Red Goshawk (Dr Henderson presumes it was the same individual) was seen and photographed again at a nearby wetland, possibly drawn to the chance of catching waterbirds which are occasionally on the menu for the raptor.
Newhaven is a long way from the areas where Red Goshawks have been recorded breeding in recent years. The desert sanctuary covers an area larger than the ACT, including ancient sandstone ranges, spinifex plains and patches of mulga woodland; all managed for conservation by AWC. The non-profit organisation works closely with the local community to remove invasive species and improve fire patterns to promote biodiversity.
Tim Henderson/AWC Dr Rich Seaton of Birdlife Australia who, in collaboration with Indigenous Ranger Groups is leading a range-wide survey for the species, has verified the images and says the bird in the photos captured by Dr Henderson is unmistakeable.
"It's a unique looking bird of prey, but they can be very tricky to identify in the field" he said. "It has beautiful, barred plumage; long, broad wings with finger-like feathers; and big feet and talons for hunting other birds. They're quite fearsome - there are not too many predators that would take on a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, but this thing eats them for breakfast," he said.
"It's an ambush predator, sitting in the branches under the canopy waiting for birds like lorikeets, cockatoos and even kookaburras to pass by. They are incredibly fast and impressive flyers and can chase down prey from a standing start."
Recent research by University of Queensland researcher Chris MacColl, supported by AWC, has shown that juvenile Red Goshawks make impressive long-haul flights into the arid and semi-arid zones. Using GPS-tracking transmitters, he has recorded some birds making months-long excursions of over 1500 kilometres, from breeding territories on Cape York Peninsula into the Northern Territory and western Queensland. Some of the birds tracked in flight reached altitudes above 1000 metres.
Dr Seaton says "It was clear to me when I saw the photos from Newhaven that this was a very significant record. GPS tracking has shown young birds regularly move inland after leaving the nest around December-January, and this photo not only validates this, but provides the opportunity to learn more about what these birds are up to in the arid zone. For example, although we have a good idea of what they are feeding on in the tropics (where they are more usually found), what they eat during these forays inland is entirely unknown ."
Tim Henderson/AWC The Red Goshawk was historically found in open woodlands and forests stretching from near Sydney in New South Wales through much of Queensland and the Northern Territory to the Kimberley in Western Australia. It has been wiped out from at least 34% of its original range, largely due to habitat loss in south-eastern Australia. Changed fire regimes have also contributed to its decline by altering the structure of remaining woodlands which have grown thicker and less open, making it harder for the goshawks to hunt.
The Red Goshawk was listed as federally Endangered in 2023, partly as a result of MacColl's research. It was identified as one of 22 'Priority Bird Species' in the Federal Government's most recent Threatened Species Action Plan.
Tim Henderson/AWC Red Goshawks have been confirmed at several other AWC sanctuaries and partnership sites across northern Australia, including Piccaninny Plains, Mornington, and on Wilinggin Country in the Kimberley.
As for whether more sightings around Newhaven are likely, Dr Henderson said he'll continue to keep his camera close by. "We're not sure how long it will stick around, but we'll definitely be keeping an eye out."
