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Brown Goshawk
ID changed from Collared Sparrowhawk to Brown Goshawk, based on length of middle toe.
Habitat
Woodland
Location
Rockleigh (private property West of Mannum, South Australia)
Date taken
03/11/2014
Scientific name
Accipiter fasciatus
Equipment used
Canon EOS 70D with Canon EF 300mm f2.8L IS II USM + 2.0 extender 111
Staff member
Supporter
Nice shot Peter. These are really tricky birds but I must admit I get more of an impression of a Brown Goshawk here. It has quite an obvious brow over the eye making it look as though it's glaring. The legs are quite thick and trousered and the middle toe seems about the same length as the others. These all seem good for Brown Goshawk to me, although I'm sure you see them much more often than I do! Great shot anyway.
 
Opus Editor
Supporter
Andrew,

A close-up of the toes in one of the other photos shows very clearly that the middle toe is a whole segment longer than the others. I'll send you a copy. I also think the brow is not prominent enough for the Goshawk.
 
Opus Editor
Supporter
I'm going to have to concede that Andrew is correct, and this is actually a Brown Goshawk. The middle toe is simply not long enough. The flesh of the toe should project beyond the tip of the claw next to it.
 

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Category
Asia, Australia & Pacific Islands
Added by
peterday
Date added
View count
67
Comment count
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