Note From Field: Crested Goshawk (Hunting Observation including swift hunting)

It was come to my advantage where I was able to observed many hunting behaviour of Crested Goshawk. This provide me observation from hunting in nesting time and during non breeding period. In all I would say I have observed at least no less than 50 hunting observation of Crested Goshawk which bring to great advantage. I have observed some of which I would say most interesting such as hunting swift which I would describe below. I have observed hunting in entire west coast of peninsula Malaysia.

What Do They Love

Majority of the hunting were actually perching hunter. Only in one instance such as hunting of swift were observed as part of soaring hunting. The bird was observed perching approximately 10-15 meter from the ground. Usually silence and calling during this hunting are only observed during breeding season. Bird will perch silently overlooking the are beneath and up to approximately 100meter from the perch. In one occasion rat was sighted pick up at distance of 100 meter from the perch. This does show the great eyesight of the bird. Majority of the time the bird pick up prey within the distance of 50 meter and below. Prey item such as reptile and rodent have been hunted which some have been identified such as Garden Fence Lizard and other rat species. Majority of the time rat were observed as prey.

What About Birds As Prey

As a nature of an accipiter, some have though that majority of the time prey item may have consist of bird however in most observation up to 80 over percent where actually non bird. In one incident swift was hunted in a different method. The bird was observed taking increasing height through thermal in early morning. The bird was flying the same direction with the swift of which at the time counter clock wise. In an instance, the bird changes its direction into opposite direction with talons out and facing incoming swift. The swift headed in direction of the raptor and nearest were caught. This was unique as no other record in Peninsular Malaysia was observed. 

In another instance hunting breeding territorial was observed. The bird was first observed entering the perch of a tree. Directly from the perch the bird was observed moving "appear running along the branch" in term of chasing. Alarm call of other bird species was observed and bird was seen been chase by the accipiter. This however yield no result in 2 observation which further observation on success rate of this method will be required to determine the preference in this species.