File:Crested Goshawk facts.jpg

English: The crested goshawk, a formidable bird of prey hailing from tropical Asia, belongs to the esteemed family Accipitridae, sharing lineage with other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers.

Characterized by its robust physique, this hawk thrives in forested landscapes, particularly in hilly woodlands. While its namesake crest is often inconspicuous, adorning the crown in a subdued manner, the adult boasts a distinguished appearance with a gray head, brown wings, and whitish underparts adorned with thick orange-brown stripes along the belly and streaks across the breast. Additionally, a striking white throat bordered by black accents adds to its allure. Juveniles exhibit a similar pattern but with a brown head, lightly marked underparts, and a shorter crest.

In flight, the crested goshawk presents a stocky silhouette, with a relatively short tail compared to other accipiters. Notably, flying adults may display a fluffy white clump of feathers on either side of the tail, further enhancing their distinctive appearance.

This bird was photographed at Kerala, India