Australian Field Ornithology 2017, 34, 87–90 http://dx.doi.org/10.20938/afo34087090 Introduction The Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus is a raptor of heavy build and moderate size that is relatively common throughout most of Australia (Debus 2012). Its abundance has increased in certain areas due to the proliferation of potential prey items (introduced mammals), but has decreased in areas that have been heavily cleared for urban development and have had extensive programs to control exotic mammals (Olsen & Marples 1992). Accipiters have a variable diet that is dependent on prey availability and habitat (Tornberg & Colpaert 2001). Early dietary and morphometric studies suggested primarily avian prey, but recent studies indicate a more general diet when a high abundance of exotic mammals is present (Olsen & Marples 1992). In fringing urban areas and pasture lands, Brown Goshawks have a high proportion of introduced mammals, especially Black Rats Rattus rattus and Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, in the diet (Burton & Olsen 1997a). It is also clear that birds are an important food item (Olsen et al. 1990; Burton & Olsen 1997b). For example, Aumann (1988a) found that in open woodland areas 50% of the dietary biomass of this species was made up of avian prey. Avian species preyed on are typically medium to large, such as Eastern Rosellas Platycercus eximius, kookaburras Dacelo spp., and Rock Doves Columba livia (Aumann 1988b; Burton & Olsen 1997b; Olsen et al. 2006). However, despite being of a similar size, corvids are comparatively rarely preyed on (Olsen et al. 2006). Most observations of hunting Brown Goshawks indicate that they employ a range of ambush tactics and will hunt from perched positions, ground positions, and aerially using fast contour-hunting (Aumann 1988b; Olsen et al. 1990). In comparison, long-distance aerial pursuits of avian prey are rarely recorded and represent <3% of all documented hunting observations (see Table 1). The tactics and techniques of this species engaged in aerial pursuits have never been documented. In this article I document a rare instance of a successful long-distance aerial pursuit of an Australian Raven Corvus coronoides by a Brown Goshawk and discuss possible factors that might have contributed to this observation. Observation While surveying Green and Golden Bell Frogs Litoria aurea on 27–30 March 2015 on Broughton Island (just off the coast of Myall Lakes National Park, New South Wales), I observed an aerial pursuit of an Australian Raven by a raptor. This occurred at 1615 h on 29 March at Little Poverty Beach just outside the national park rangers’ hut (32°37′S, 152°20′E). Based on its plumage and size comparisons with the Raven, the raptor was an adult male Brown Goshawk. Initially the Goshawk pursued the Raven in a westerly direction, at irst observing the Raven from behind, then gathering speed and making contact with it in what appeared to be a beak-irst attack. The Raven changed angle after the irst observed attack, and proceeded to dive (Figure 1). The Goshawk appeared easily faster than the Raven in diving light, and again made aggressive contact using its beak. The Raven once again changed direction, this time angling north-west and slightly upwards. The Goshawk circled to adjust its position and once again pursued the Raven, this time coming from below (Frame 1, Figure 2). In between Frames 4 and 5 (Figure 2), the Goshawk attempted to attack the Raven but missed. The Raven appeared to lap its wings faster and faster as the Goshawk approached. After this attack, the Goshawk let the Raven gain a lead before closing the distance for another attack. At this stage, the interaction was proceeding further out in the bay and it was impossible to obtain distinct images with a camera. Further observations were made with binoculars. On the sixth and inal attack, as the Goshawk approached the Raven, the former outstretched its talons and grasped the Raven in mid air. The Raven did not appear to be A successful long-distance aerial pursuit of an Australian Raven Corvus coronoides by a Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus C.T. Beranek School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle NSW 2308, Australia Email: chadbera@gmail.com Abstract. The Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus has a variable diet comprising mainly avian prey and mammals, and most observations suggest that it employs a range of ambush tactics but rarely uses long-distance aerial pursuits. Here I document a rare instance of a successful long-distance aerial pursuit of an Australian Raven Corvus coronoides by a Brown Goshawk, on 29 March 2015, on Broughton Island, New South Wales. After multiple unsuccessful aerial attacks, the Goshawk eventually succeeded. Although corvids are abundant and widespread throughout Australia and are within the preferred avian prey size range, they are rarely observed in the Goshawk’s diet. Two ecological factors probably contributed to this observation: (1) there is little woodland here and thus little concealment for ambush tactics and (2) prey availability on Broughton Island and the surrounding islands has been altered by programs to eradicate pest mammals, thereby limiting the prey available to this species in this area.