Accipiter gentilis
Perhaps the most aggressive and ill-tempered animal in the Rockies, the Northern Goshawk will not hesitate to defend its nest from any perceived threat. It may swoop at intruders, frequently raking their backs or heads with its razor-like talons. The disposition of our largest forest hawk is legendary, and goshawks have been observed preying on any reasonably sized animal. After chasing and catching their prey in a high-speed aerial sprint, these raptors stab repeatedly at the victims, internal organs with their long talons. Northern Goshawks require extensive areas of forests in which to hunt and raise their families, and their populations have declined significantly throughout Northern Europe and Asia. They are still found in remote areas of the Rockies. |
I.D.: Sexes similar. Adult: large forest hawk; rounded wings; dark cap; white eyebrow; blue-gray back; gray, finely barred underparts; long, banded tail; red eyes. Immature: brown overall; light underparts; pale eyebrow. Size: Male: L 21-23 in. (53-58 cm); W 40-43 in. (102-109 cm). Female: L 23-25 in. (58-64 cm); W 43-47 in. (109-119 cm). Range: uncommon resident and common fall migrant throughout the Rockies; locally common breeder in the central U.S. Rockies. Habitat: Breeding: mature coniferous, deciduous and mixed woodlands. Non-breeding: forest edges, parks, farmlands and alpine areas. Nesting: in deep woods, in a crotch usually 20-60 ft. (6.1-18 m) up a deciduous tree; bulky nest is built with sticks and twigs, many still green with leaves; nest is often reused; female incubates 3 eggs for 28-32 days. Feeding: low foraging flights through the forest; feeds primarily on ground-dwelling birds (e.g., grouse and quail), rabbits, ground squirrels and tree squirrels; very opportunistic feeder on anything smaller than a grouse. Voice: silent, except during the breeding season, when adults utter a loud, shrill and fast kak-kak-kak-kak or gek-gek-gek-gek. Similar Species: Cooper's Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk: much smaller; adults have red breast bars. Large hawks: all lack the bold, light eyebrow. |
