Goshawk

The goshawk is a large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. The common name refers to several species in the genus Accipiter, most notably the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), which occurs across boreal and temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere. Regional populations in other areas are also called goshawks.

Adults are medium to large raptors, typically 46–60 cm in length with a wingspan of about 94–128 cm. Females are larger than males, a result of strong sexual dimorphism in many accipiters. Plumage varies by species and age, but in A. gentilis adults have bluish-gray upperparts and pale underparts with fine dark streaks; juveniles are brown with mottled underparts.

Goshawks favor mature forests with dense tree cover for stalking and nesting. They are highly maneuverable hunters, using rapid flight through woodlands to surprise prey. Both sexes participate in hunting and care for the young. Nesting occurs high in trees, often in a well-established territory. Clutch sizes commonly range from 2 to 4 eggs, with an incubation period of roughly 28–34 days. Fledging occurs about 28–35 days after hatching, and young may disperse in late summer.

Diet is broad and opportunistic, dominated by medium-sized birds such as grouse, pigeons, and woodpeckers, along with small mammals. They may occasionally take reptiles, amphibians, or bats depending on availability.

Conservation status is generally widespread and not globally endangered, though local populations can be affected by habitat loss, deforestation, and disturbance. The term goshawk therefore denotes several Accipiter species, with the northern goshawk as the most widely recognized representative.