Azor crestado

1. Nombre del ave
The bird being discussed is known as the Crested Goshawk with the scientific (Latin) name of Accipiter trivirgatus.

2. Aspecto
The Crested Goshawk is a medium-sized raptor with typically grey-brown plumage. It has a white chest and belly that is barred with horizontal thin strips of brown. Its tail is long and banded with a rounded end. The bird’s beak is hooked and black, indicative of its carnivorous diet, with a yellow cere. Besides, it features yellow legs and reddish eyes. The Crested Goshawk’s crest, which can be raised or lowered depending on the bird’s state of emotion, accentuates its fierce look. In terms of sexual dimorphism, females are typically larger than males, while males tend to have more of a reddish color to their eyes.

3. Tamaño
The Crested Goshawk is fairly small, with an average length of 30-46 cm (12-18 inches). It boasts of a wingspan of about 60-80 cm (24-31 inches). The weight of the bird can range from 350 to 550 grams for males and 450 to 850 grams for females.

4. Hábitat y distribución
The Crested Goshawk is widely distributed across the Asian continent, including countries like Sri Lanka, India, southern China, the Indonesian archipelago, and the Philippines. This bird of prey is typically found in tropical and subtropical forests, preferring dense woodlands and jungle habitats.

5. Datos de interés
Few interesting facts about this bird include its robust territorial defense against other predatory birds, its skill of vigorously chasing its prey through dense foliage, and the manner in which it consumes its prey – by tearing it into small pieces. Besides, it’s known for its striking crest, which gives the bird its name.

6. Dieta
Crested Goshawks mainly feed on small mammals, such as rodents and squirrels, along with birds and reptiles. Occasionally, they are also known to consume large insects.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos
The Crested Goshawk is a secretive and solitary bird, often sitting motionless for several hours. Its call is a harsh ‘Pee-wee-wee’, usually uttered in flight or from a high perch. During courtship, the males perform a show of aerial acrobatics with deep, slow wingbeats.

8. Estado de conservación
According to the IUCN Red List, the Crested Goshawk is classified as ‘Least Concern’, meaning it’s not currently threatened or endangered. This can be attributed to its wide distribution and apparently stable population.

9. Vida útil
In the wild, the Crested Goshawk can live from 10 to 15 years roughly. In captivity, their lifespan can be extended due to factors like stable diet and less exposure to threats.

10. Notas adicionales
Crested Goshawks play a significant role in controlling the population of rodents and other pests in the ecosystems they inhabit. They are revered in some cultures for their fierceness and hunting prowess. Despite their overall ‘least concern’ status, regionally they might face threats from deforestation, causing habitat loss, which mandates a closer look at their conservation in specific areas.