Accipiter Trivirgatus Bird Species Information and Ecology

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Shikra Bird on Bare Tree Branches
Credit: pexels.com, Shikra Bird on Bare Tree Branches

The Accipiter trivirgatus, also known as the Bornean barred snake eagle, is a bird species native to the island of Borneo.

It has a distinctive barred pattern on its wings and tail, which helps it blend in with its forest habitat.

The Accipiter trivirgatus is a small to medium-sized bird of prey, typically measuring between 40-50 cm in length.

Its diet consists mainly of small snakes, lizards, and rodents, which it catches with its sharp talons and strong beak.

Take a look at this: Accipiter Fasciatus

Physical Characteristics

Accipiter trivirgatus is a relatively small bird of prey, with a wingspan ranging from 65 to 85 cm. This species has a unique flight pattern, characterized by a "slow flap, slow flap, straight glide".

The size of Accipiter trivirgatus varies across different subspecies, but the minimum length is 37 cm, while the maximum length is 46 cm. The female is significantly larger than the male.

Here are some key physical characteristics of Accipiter trivirgatus:

The tail and tarsus of Accipiter trivirgatus are also notable features, although specific measurements are not provided in the article.

Description

Detailed portrait of a hawk showcasing its sharp beak and keen eyes against a blurred background.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed portrait of a hawk showcasing its sharp beak and keen eyes against a blurred background.

The crested goshawk has a distinctive crest that's usually visible only when perched. This crest is a key identifying feature of the species.

The underwings of the crested goshawk are whitish, with black bands that are quite broad. This coloration is visible when the bird is in flight.

The undertail of the crested goshawk is white, with four black bands. This pattern is a nice contrast to the darker upperparts.

The upperparts of the crested goshawk are dark brown, with a white throat and a distinct mesial stripe. This stripe is a great example of the bird's unique plumage.

The breast of the crested goshawk is white, with broad streaks of rufous brown. This pattern is repeated on the belly, where the white is barred with rufous-brown.

Here are the key differences in the plumage between male and female crested goshawks:

  • Males have dark grey sides of the head and a blackish crown and crest.
  • Females have a browner head.

The crested goshawk's wings are short and broad, which is an adaptation for maneuvering through trees. This is a great example of how the bird's physical characteristics are suited to its environment.

Genus

A Shikra hawk hunts on a tree branch, showcasing its natural hunting skills.
Credit: pexels.com, A Shikra hawk hunts on a tree branch, showcasing its natural hunting skills.

Accipiters are small to medium-sized hawks, often referred to as Sparrow-hawks or Goshawks.

The females of the genus Accipiter are almost always much larger than the males, in some cases weighing twice as much.

Their wings are short and rounded, making them well adapted for flying through dense bush.

The tail of Accipiters is usually quite long, a characteristic shared among most species.

Some species of Accipiters have long and slender legs, with slender digits, the middle one being especially long.

Goshawks, on the other hand, tend to have shorter, thicker tarsi and digits, and a shorter middle digit.

Accipiters are rarely crested, but some species display very attractive colour patterns.

Black phases are present in many tropical species, and one species in Australia has a pure white phase.

Description and Ecology

The crested goshawk is a unique bird species with some fascinating characteristics. It has short broad wings and a long tail, adaptations that allow it to maneuver through trees with ease.

Credit: youtube.com, Goshawk, Crested - Accipiter trivirgatus

The crested goshawk's size varies between males and females, with females being significantly larger. In fact, females can be up to 16 cm larger than males, making them quite distinct.

One of the most distinctive features of the crested goshawk is its crest, which is usually visible only when perched. In flight, the underwings are whitish with broad black bands.

The crested goshawk's habitat ranges from southern Asia to Indonesia and the Philippines, and it is primarily a lowland bird. However, it can also be found in upland habitats, such as the Himalayas foothills of Bhutan or the Sal forest in India's Dehradun district.

This bird species is known for its secretive nature and is primarily found in tropical and warm subtropical areas. In Malaysia and Singapore, there is evidence of the crested goshawk adapting to life in urban centers.

The crested goshawk's diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, and reptiles, which it hunts in the canopy and interior of forests and plantations. It is exclusively solitary except during the breeding season.

Here's a summary of the crested goshawk's key characteristics:

Status

Credit: youtube.com, Time Lapse Crested Goshawk Eats Quail |Accipiter Trivirgatus | Elang Jinak Total

The Accipiter trivirgatus is a species that's found in Singapore, and its status is quite fascinating. It's a resident species, which means it's not a migrant or a visitor, it's actually a permanent resident in the country.

Its conservation status is rare, which is a concern for its long-term survival. In fact, it's considered Critically Endangered, a classification that's been given to it since 2008.

Here's a summary of its status:

Range and Habitat

The crested goshawk, Accipiter trivirgatus, has a wide range that spans southern Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, southern China, Indonesia, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

It's primarily a lowland bird and an all-year resident, but can be found in upland habitats during winter, such as the Himalayas foothills of Bhutan or Sal (Shorea robusta) forest in India's Dehradun district.

This bird is generally very rare at the northern end of its range, and is limited to tropical and warm subtropical areas.

Credit: youtube.com, Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus)

In Malaysia and Singapore, there's increasing evidence of this species adapting to life in urban centres.

The crested goshawk builds a stick nest in a tree and lays two or three eggs.

It's a secretive forest bird that hunts birds, mammals, and reptiles in woodland, relying on surprise to catch its prey unaware.

In Hong Kong, the crested goshawk is a protected species under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance Cap 170, and can be found in Kam Shan Country Park.

Iris Stamm

Lead Assigning Editor

Iris Stamm is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail. With a background in research and writing, Iris has honed her skills in curating engaging content for a wide range of audiences. Her expertise lies in assigning and editing articles on topics related to animals, particularly dogs.

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