Fiji goshawk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fiji goshawk |
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| Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Accipiter
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| Species: |
rufitorques
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The Fiji goshawk (Accipiter rufitorques) is a cool bird of prey. It belongs to the same family as eagles and hawks. People used to think it was the same as the brown goshawk. That bird lives in Australia and New Caledonia. But now we know the Fiji goshawk is special! It only lives in Fiji. You can find it on big islands like Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. This bird lives in many places. It can be found in natural rainforests. It also lives in coconut farms and even city gardens.
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What Does the Fiji Goshawk Look Like?
The Fiji goshawk is a medium-sized bird. It is about 30 to 40 centimeters long. That's about the length of a school ruler! Female goshawks are bigger than males. This is called sexual dimorphism. The bird has long legs and a long tail.
Colors of the Fiji Goshawk
This bird has very unique colors. Its head, back, tail, and wings are grey. Its belly and neck are a soft pink color. Young goshawks look different. Their feathers are all brown. They also have stripes on their chest.
What Does the Fiji Goshawk Eat?
The Fiji goshawk is a hunter. It eats many different things. It can catch birds as big as pigeons. It also eats insects and rodents. Sometimes it hunts reptiles. They have even been seen eating freshwater prawns. These birds also enjoy freshwater fish.
How the Fiji Goshawk Hunts
Fiji goshawks hunt in two main ways. They might wait quietly on a branch. Then they glide down slowly to catch their prey. Or they might fly quickly, flapping their wings fast. They can chase animals into hiding spots. They will even try to scare out hidden prey.
Where Do Fiji Goshawks Build Nests?
Fiji goshawks breed at certain times of the year. Their breeding season is from July to December. Most eggs are laid in September or October. The nest is a platform made of sticks. They build it high up in a tree. The tree usually has light leaves.
Fiji Goshawk Eggs and Chicks
A female goshawk usually lays two or three eggs. Sometimes she might lay four eggs. Often, two chicks will grow big enough to fly. This is called fledging.
History of the Fiji Goshawk
Today, the Fiji goshawk only lives in Fiji. But long ago, it might have lived elsewhere. Scientists found old bones on an island called 'Eua in Tonga. These bones seem to be from this species. It might also have lived in the Lau Islands of Fiji. Fiji goshawks sometimes catch chickens. Because of this, people sometimes shoot them. But don't worry! They are still very common. Many of them live in Fiji.
