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| MEASUREMENTS: The Northern Goshawk has a body length of 19 - 27 inches, a wingspan of 3 - 4 feet, and weighs 1 - 3 pounds. |
 HABITAT: The Northern Goshawk inhabits forested regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This goshawk prefers coniferous forests, but will also inhabit deciduous and mixed forests from sea level to subalpine areas. This bird may also be found in urban forested parks. |
| DIET: This hawk mainly hunts small to medium mammals and birds. Goshawks often hunt at forest edges from a hidden perch or patrol flights. Prey is usually caught on the ground. |
| REPRODUCTION: The nest is built of sticks in a tree next to the trunk. Goshawks lay 2 - 5 eggs that are incubated 35 - 38 days. The young birds fledge at about 5 - 6 weeks, depending on the sex of the bird. Males develop faster than females. The young birds become independent of their parents at 10 - 11 1/2 weeks of age. |
| NAME DERIVATION: The scientific name comes from the Latin words accipere, meaning to take or seize and refers to a hawk or bird of prey, and gentilis, of nobility. The common name is derived from “goose hawk” and northern refers to the bird’s northern range. |
INTERESTING FACTS:
- Goshawks have been prized for many centuries as a falconry bird for their speedy pursuits and fearless demeanor.
- Goshawks frequently reuse the same nest for many years. If they do not use the same nest, then they at least breed in the same area. This hawk is also habitual in the non-breeding season and will return to the same wintering location year after year.
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