THE GOSHAWK 



173 



found to breed true. Cuvier hazarded the view that it is an 

 albino race which has become permanent. To this we have at 

 least a parallel in the White Fantail Pigeon. But what were 

 the causes of the permanence ? See Addenda. 



The Lesser White Goshawk, A. leucosomus, is a northern bird 

 with similar white plumage. It is much smaller, the male 

 measuring only 12.3 inches. It is found in the Cape York area, 

 and in New Guinea and adjacent islands. 



Australian Museu^n. 

 White Goshawk: Astur novae-hollandiae. 



The Goshawk. 



Astur fasciatus {approximmis) . 

 Australia and Tasmania, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island. 

 One of the commonest and most widespread of our birds of prey. 

 Male 15 inches, female 20. 



It is a bold, powerful and rapacious bird, feeding on small 

 and young birds, small mammals and reptiles, and a terror to 

 young poultry. Mr. Keartland found Goshawks several times in 

 Central Australia, especially where there was any permanent 

 water with vegetation around the margin. Such places not only 

 afford shelter to the frogs on which the bird delights to feed, 

 but also prevent the young waterfowl seeing its approach until 



