Accipiter
gentilis
(Northern Goshawk)
Physical
Description:
20-26" (50-66 cm). Gray
all over; lighter below with fine black streaks on breast. White tips on longish
tail; lighter eyebrows. Red eyes and yellow-orange feet. Immatures brown above,
paler below with heavy brown streaks; yellow eyes and feet; tail has wavy blackish
and gray bands. Juveniles have a white eyeline.
Similar Species- Cooper's, and Sharp-shinned hawks, Gyrfalcon
Song:
Seagull-like kak-kak-kak-kak.
Distribution:
Breeds from western and central
Alaska, east to northeastern Manitoba, Labrador, and Newfoundland, and south
to central California, southeastern Arizona, eastern foothills of Rockies, southern
Manitoba, New England, and Appalachians; breeds locally in Mexico. Winters throughout
breeding range and irregularly south to northern Mexico.
and coniferous forests, along forest
edges, and in open woodlands. Will forage in cultivated regions. Migrates mostly
along ridges and coastlines. In Idaho, summers and nests in coniferous and aspen
forests; winters in riparian and agricultural areas.
Diet:
Eats mainly rabbits, squirrels, ducks,
and upland game birds; local diet depends partly on availability.
Ecology:
Builds stick nest in coniferous or deciduous
tree. Nests are usually 2 km or more apart, but may be as close as 0.8 km. Tends
to hunt low in forest canopy; most hunting is conducted from perch. From 1980-1990,
34 goshawk territories were identified on Targhee National Forest. Nests were
in dense stands of old-growth coniferous timber with high canopy cover. Timber
harvest activities may be negatively affecting occupancy rates of goshawks.
2-4 eggs for 32-34 days/egg;
male provides food. Young leave nest at 5-6 wk, begin hunting at about 50 days,
and become independent at about 70 days. Some individuals breed as yearlings.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABNKC12060 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S4 |
| National Rank: | N4B,N4N |
Important
State References:
Patla, S. 1991. Northern Goshawk
monitoring project report #2. USDA Targhee National Forest, St. Anthony. 42
pp.