Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

Juvenile Accipiter gentilis (Goshawk) in flight.
Photograph by Thermos. GNU Free Documentation License. (view image details)

NORTHERN GOSHAWK FACTS

Description
The Northern Goshawk has a blue gray back and pale gray underside, with fine bars on the chest. The top of the head is dark gray and it has a white stripe above the eyes. The wings are broad and rounded, and the long tail is dark gray. The eyes are red and legs are yellow. Females are similar to males but larger and with browner body and head. Juveniles are brown above with some white or reddish brown streaks, and heavily streaked with brown on the underside, with brown tail with dark bars.

Size
length 53cm - 64cm. Wingspan: 103cm - 117cm

Environment
deciduous forest, coniferous forest, woodland

Food
Large birds, mammals such as squirrels, rabbits

Breeding
Nest is a large bowl of sticks lined with bark and leaves. Nest is built in a tree. Lays two to four blue white eggs.

Range
Alaska, most of Canada, New England, Great Lakes region, western United States breeding in the Rockies, Cascades, and Sierra Nevada. Also found in the highlands of Mexico.

Classification

Class:	Aves
Order:	Falconiformes
Family:	Accipitridae
Genus:	Accipiter
Species:	gentilis
Common Name:	Northern Goshawk

  HOME
  ANIMAL LISTS
   Mammals
   Reptiles
   Birds
   Insects

BIRDS
Passerines

Non-Passerines: Land

Non-Passerines: Water