Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus)

The Crested Goshawk is a medium-sized forest raptor recognized by its distinct crest, sharp eyes, and agile flight. It is a skilled predator of small birds, reptiles, and mammals, excelling in hunting within dense forest habitats. Its stealth, speed, and precision make it one of the most effective raptors of Sri Lanka’s wet zone forests.

🌎 Habitat & Distribution
🌳 Habitat

Crested Goshawks inhabit dense lowland and mid-elevation wet zone forests, as well as secondary growth and forest edges. They rely on tall trees and thick foliage for roosting, nesting, and ambushing prey, and are well-adapted to maneuvering through closed forest canopies.

📍 Distribution

In Sri Lanka, this species is observed in Sinharaja Forest Reserve and its buffer zones, as well as in other lowland wet zone forests. It is widely distributed but secretive, often going unnoticed due to its excellent camouflage and quiet hunting behavior.

🦅 Behavior
Feeding Behavior

The Crested Goshawk is a diurnal hunter, specializing in capturing small birds, lizards, and small mammals. It uses stealth and rapid short flights to surprise its prey. Often, it hunts from a concealed perch, waiting patiently before launching a swift attack.

Social Behavior

This species is generally solitary, forming pairs only during the breeding season. It maintains a territorial range, avoiding other raptors and intruders. Roosting during the day occurs in dense foliage, where it remains nearly invisible.

Vocalization

Its call is a high-pitched, repeated whistle or chattering sound, typically heard during courtship, alarm, or territorial displays. The vocalizations are infrequent, making the bird hard to detect by sound alone.

Breeding & Nesting

Nesting occurs in tall forest trees, with a stick nest lined with leaves. A clutch typically contains 2–3 eggs, incubated primarily by the female. Both parents feed and care for the chicks until they fledge. Successful breeding depends on the availability of intact forest habitat with minimal disturbance.

⚠ Conservation Status

Crested Goshawks are classified as Least Concern, but they are sensitive to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Protection of continuous forest tracts is vital to maintain stable populations of this elusive raptor.

📸 My Wildscape Encounter

I observed the Crested Goshawk in the Sinharaja buffer zone, photographing it using my Canon 80D with a 55–250 mm lens. Its agile flight and precise hunting behavior were remarkable to witness, emphasizing the importance of patience and observation in documenting forest raptors.