Bird of the Year 2025: vote for the Red Goshawk

As Bird of the Year heats up, we’re spotlighting some of the most extraordinary species in the running, like the Red Goshawk. To kick off, we spoke with Jessica Rooke, BirdLife Australia’s NSW Threatened Species Coordinator, about why this powerful bird of prey deserves your vote – and your support.

Nominations are open for Guardian/Birdlife Australia Bird of the Year 2025. Share your thoughts on which birds should be included in this years poll.

Why are you voting for the Red Goshawk?

The Red Goshawk is Australia’s rarest bird of prey – a powerful predator with fearsome golden eyes and huge yellow feet designed to take down other birds. They are visually stunning and they prey on large powerful prey like parrots (they are badass!)! Its plight is a stark reminder of how quickly even the most powerful species can vanish if their habitat isn’t protected.

What makes the Red Goshawk stand out?

Red Goshawks are striking birds, with long, broad wings, big, yellow feet, reddish-brown plumage on the body, strongly barred underwings and tail, and bold streaking across the chest. They are a large rufous red bird of prey, with huge yellow feet and formidable talons. In flight they’re impressively agile, able to weave swiftly through trees in pursuit of prey but will also glide above the canopy on slightly raised wings.

What’s the conservation story?

The Red Goshawk is now listed as Endangered, having disappeared from two thirds of its historical breeding range. They key threats are habitat clearance and altered fire regimes. Now only occur in the tropical savannahs of Northern Australia. Efforts are currently focused on better understanding their population status, their ecology, and the threats they face so we can develop on ground actions to protect and restore their populations. Its survival depends on urgent and sustained conservation efforts.

What are we doing about it?

BirdLife Australia has been central in drawing national attention to the Red Goshawk’s decline. We are currently leading a project to work with Indigenous Ranger groups to survey and monitor Red Goshawks across their range and supporting a University of Queensland led PhD research on their ecology. Working with Indigenous Ranger Groups, local communities, researchers, government, NGOs, NRM organisations and volunteers, BirdLife has supported surveys to locate breeding pairs, protect key habitat, and monitor population trends. The organisation has also been advocating for stronger habitat protections.

What can you do to help?

• Vote for the Red Goshawk in Bird of the Year to raise awareness of its plight.
• Donate to BirdLife Australia’s conservation work – donations help protect habitat and fund vital surveys.
• Report sightings of Red Goshawks via BirdLife Australia’s Birdata app to assist research.
• Speak up for strong nature laws – large old trees and intact landscapes are irreplaceable, and this species depends on them.