The northern goshawk, accipiter gentilis, is the largest of North America’s “true hawks.” They measure 19 to 27 inches (48.2 to 68.5 centimeters), weigh 1 to 3 pounds (0.45 to 1.3 kilograms) and have a wingspan of 1.7 to 4 feet (0.5 to 1.2 meters) from wingtip to wingtip. Females are usually larger than males. The plumage of adults is brownish-gray to slate gray above, with a black cap on the head as well as a distinctive white stripe located above their reddish-orange eyes. Females tend to have both browner underparts and coarser markings on the breast than males. Juveniles are brown above, pale buff to whitish below, and have heavy streaking.
The northern goshawk can be found throughout much of North America, Europe and northern Asia. Although they prefer to inhabit coniferous forests, they will also make due with deciduous and mixed forests as well as town parks. Their homes can be located at heights of anywhere from sea level to subalpine areas. They build their nests out of sticks and line them with twigs and leaves. The nests are often placed on top of old growth, where the birds feel they are safe from unwanted visitors. This goshawk species is not particularly social, with the nests of breeding pairs being over 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) apart.
The diet of a northern goshawk consists of small to medium-sized birds and mammals such as gulls, ducks, squirrels and snowshoe hares. They will do their hunting along the edge of the forest, where they search for prey from a hidden perch. A northern goshawk will also do routine patrol flights in order to find a meal. The majority of their food will be caught on the ground and will bring it to a tree separate from its nesting tree. Adults have few enemies, but the young ones are in danger from other large hawks, lynx, bears and owls.
Eggs are lain sometime from April to early May. Females will lay a clutch of 1 to 5 eggs and then proceed to incubate them for 35 to 38 days. While the female is incubating, the male is in charge of providing food for both of them. Even after the eggs hatch, the male will continue to provide food while the female aggressively defends the nest. The newborns will learn to fly at around 34 to 41 days of age, but will not become independent until they are around 70 to 90 days old. Sexual maturity is reached at 2 to 3 years of age, with males developing faster than females. If they little ones can survive long enough, then they can live to be up to 19 years old.
The northern goshawk is an endangered (or even threatened) species. Their greatest threats are the loss of their natural habitat as well as persecution from people. This particular species is actually a good indicator of old growth forest health and as such, their presence indicates a healthy environment. Hopefully, the northern goshawk can continue its peaceful coexistence alongside humans. After all, such a unique bird of prey deserves to live and prosper for future generations to see.
Works Cited
“Northern Goshawk Facts” 27 November 2011
“Northern Goshawk” 27 November 2011
“Northern Goshawk (Accipiter Gentilis)” 27 November 2011
“Northern Goshawk” 27 November 2011