Black-mantled Goshawk illustration
Birdsong field guide

Black-mantled Goshawk

Tachyspiza melanochlamys

A striking, medium-sized raptor endemic to New Guinea, defined by its bold black upperparts and rich chestnut underparts.

What it sounds like

A rapid, high-pitched series of chattering 'ke-ke-ke-ke' whistles.

Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto

Field notes

  • Adults display a stark contrast between a jet-black head and mantle and a bright rufous collar and belly.
  • Juveniles are morphologically distinct, featuring brownish, streaked plumage and heavily barred underparts unlike the solid-colored adults.
  • The species is an agile forest hunter that primarily targets small birds and occasionally lizards within the montane canopy.
  • It is restricted to the Central Range and Huon Peninsula, typically occurring at elevations between 1,100 and 3,500 meters.
  • While formerly classified under the genus Accipiter, recent taxonomic revisions have moved it to the genus Tachyspiza.
Habitat
Montane rainforests, cloud forests, and high-altitude forest edges.
Range
The island of New Guinea (highland regions).

Similar & commonly confused birds

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