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

PLATE 47 in Handbook (Field Guide plate 51)

Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae
N and E Australia, Tasmania

Varied Goshawk Accipiter hiogaster
New Guinea, Lesser Sundas, S Moluccas, New Britain, Solomon Islands

Grey-throated Goshawk Accipiter griseogularis
N Moluccas

ABOUT THE BIRDS Pure white does not seem a sensible colour for a forest-dwelling hawk that prefers to approach its prey unseen, yet the white form of Grey Goshawk may use disguise as a ploy because, in flight, it looks like a white cockatoo. This theory falls down, however, in Tasmania where all Grey Goshawks – but no cockatoos – are white.

The Varied Goshawk lives up to its name. With 20 subspecies on various islands, this is by far the most variable accipiter. Lizards are probably its principal food. Like the two other endemic Moluccan accipiters (plate 43), the Grey-throated Goshawk is a little-known species. It lives mainly in wooded lowlands.

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