Animal of the Month

Northern Goshawk

Accipiter gentilis
 

• A forest raptor that can maneuver through dense trees taking prey as small as squirrels, crows, grouse, and snowshoe hare.
• Pronounced “gos” “hawk” as if the words are still separate, without pronouncing the “sh”
• Length: 21-25 inches; wingspan: 40-46 inches; weight can be up to 48 ounces.
• Characteristic of accipiters they are short winged and long tailed, a “flying cross”
• Identification is difficult depending on careful inspection of plumage and observation of wingbeats; sightings are often distant and brief.

Behavior

• Goshawks are fierce defenders of their nests, attacking humans and other animals that approach too closely.
• They nest in a large bowl constructed of thin woody material, interwoven with greenery, up in large trees.
• Goshawks are patient hunters, waiting silently for prey, then descend rapidly, maneuvering through dense forest.
• Goshawks are not as vulnerable as other raptors to eggshell thinning from pesticides.

Fun Fact

• Attila the Hun wore an image of a Northern Goshawk on his helmet.
• Northern Goshawks have been spotted in the park in recent weeks.