A David Mead original from Raptors of the World, published by Christopher Helm as a Handbook (2001) and a Field Guide (2005).

PLATE 45 in Handbook (Field Guide plate 49)

New Britain Goshawk Accipiter princeps
New Britain

Slaty-backed Sparrowhawk Accipiter luteoschistaceus
New Britain, Umboi, possibly New Ireland

New Britain Sparrowhawk Accipiter brachyurus
New Britain

New Caledonia Goshawk Accipiter haplochrous
New Caledonia

ABOUT THE BIRDS The New Britain Goshawk is one of the least known of all raptors. There have been few sight records, mainly in hill forests, and only five museum specimens have been collected. The juvenile plumage remains undescribed.

There are few facts, either, about the lifestyles and populations of both the Slaty-backed Sparrowhawk and New Britain Sparrowhawk. The former is believed to prey chiefly on lizards, while the latter’s foot structure indicates that it is primarily a bird-eater. The New Caledonia Goshawk hunts lizards, rodents and some birds, including parrots.

Medium Gouache on tinted acrylic gesso
Image size 8in x 12in (20cm x 30cm)