The Variable Goshawk occurs across Wallacea, New Guinea, and nearby island groups. It hunts from perches, diving on prey such as lizards; plumage and diet vary by region.
It has a heavy bill, strong legs, rounded wing tips, and a short, square-ended tail. Plumage differs greatly by region; some New Guinea populations include dark, grey, and white color forms.
It usually hunts from an exposed or concealed perch and dives at prey such as lizards. It lives alone or in pairs and uses open rainforest, regrowth, forest edges, and sometimes coconut plantations. Prey varies among islands and regions.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.