goshawks

Bird Profile: Goshawks

1. Bird Name
English: Goshawk
Scientific (Latin): Accipiter gentilis

2. Appearance
The goshawk is a large bird of prey with striking visual characteristics. It has a bluish-grey, or sometimes brownish, back and wings, offset by a barred grey and white underside. The female bird is often darker in color. Their eyes are bright yellow, surrounded by strong facial markings, consisting of a bold, black-and-white striped pattern. Adult goshawks have a long, broad tail and wide, rounded wings. The hooked beak, typical of the raptor family, is a blackish-grey shading to a lighter base.

3. Size
Goshawks are large raptors, averaging in length between 21 to 26 inches (53-66 cm). Their wingspan can reach from 40.5 to 46 inches (103-117 cm). The weight range is quite broad, with female birds being larger and heavier, typically between 800 and 2000 g, and males weighing in between 550 and 1100 g.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Goshawks are native to the temperate portions of the Northern Hemisphere. You can sometimes find them across North America, Europe, and Asia. They prefer to live in large forests, forest edges, and open woodlands, with a strong preference for old, large trees.

5. Interesting Facts
Goshawks are extremely agile flyers, capable of hunting their prey even in dense forests. They are generally solitary birds, except during the mating season. Goshawks have cultural significance in many societies; for instance, in some indigenous cultures, they symbolize strength and courage.

6. Diet
The diet of a goshawk is varied, feeding on a range of small animals including other birds, squirrels, rabbits, and other rodents. They are known to alter their diet based on the availability of prey in their habitat.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Goshawks display a range of exciting behaviors. Their flight pattern is an alternation between three to five quick flaps, and a short glide. The call of a goshawk is a piercing ‘ki-ki-ki-ki-ki,’ used primarily during the breeding season.

8. Conservation Status
On the IUCN Red List, the conservation status of the Goshawk is currently listed as Least Concern. However, the species does face threats in some areas due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, goshawks can live for up to 11 years. In captivity, under ideal conditions, they may live to be up to 20 years old.

10. Additional Notes
Goshawks are known as ‘Habicht’ in German, referring to their habitation in forested areas. They play an essential role in their ecosystems, controlling the populations of small mammals and birds. Although they are elusive and not easily spotted, they have been known to act fiercely in defense of their nests. Their exceptional hunting skills have made them a favorite bird among falconers for centuries. Despite their status as birds of least concern, conservation efforts are needed to protect their habitats and ensure their continued survival.