The middle toe is a lot longer than the other toes. Brown Goshawk's middle toe is the usually only slightly longer than the other toes, but in Collared Sparrowhawk, the middle toe is much longer. Unfortunately, I can't see any of the other main ID features so I think this is a Collared Sparrowhawk.
I don't have a copy at hand but if I recall correctly the 2017 Aust. Bird Guide (Menkhorst et al) has a good explanation which helped me understand the Brown Goshawk vs Collared Sparrowhawk toe length (with useful diagram). If I recall I think that book also suggests the cere colour of the beak as an ID feature. In my opinion if you can manage a good photo of the beak, that can be an easier ID feature rather than looking at the feet, tail feathers etc...
Agree re 2017 Aust Bird Guide (Menkhorst et al) re cere colour. Any chance you a good photo of tail, as besides cere and relative position of 1st knuckle, that is the main feature referred to in that guide.
Interesting. Debus Birds of Prey of Australia- A Field Guide 2012 referring to juveniles indicates that for brown goshawk cere olive-yellow and for collared sparrowhawk cream to greenish-yellow. No mention about adults. I cannot see any reference to differences in cere between these two species in Menkhorst. The flat head, short middle toe and frown tells me Brown Goshawk. Chris
Goshawk/Sparrowhawk are always a problem for images seldom show the imoirtant features. I now realise that how far forward the eye ridge goes is a critical id feature. In this case the eye ridge goes forward of the eye. It is only due to excellent photography such as this that this feature stands out. Chris
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