Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

Northern goshawk photo

Identification

Adult: male larger than American Crow, female comparable to Common Raven; sexes similar in coloration; Tail: long, 4 indistinct bands of light and dark gray below, bands darker and more noticeable above; Wings: wide, rounded, slate blue-gray above, light gray with black streaking below; Head: darker slate gray, distinct white eye-line; Under-tail coverts: white; Eye: orange to red.

Immature: Back and Wings: light to dark brown, white eye-line present; Tail: 5+ indistinct brown bands; Eye: yellow.


Habitat

Deciduous hardwoods and mixed coniferous forest, varies by landscape type; do nest in homogenous aspen stands; rarely found in woodlots. Have been found nesting in mature white and red pine plantations. Nests usually 18-30� in diameter; usually will select the largest tree within the stand.

Range

Nests in northern 2/3 of state including the central forest areas. Occurs statewide in Winter.

Goshawk range map
Goshawk Nest


Call

sound file Audio recordings donated by John Feith. Additional bird call recordings available at www.caculo.com/birdsongs



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