GosHawks aka Northern Goshawks
Birds of Prey ... The Sport of Falconry
The Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis; from Old English Language: góshafuc 'goose-hawk') is a medium-large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes other diurnal raptors, such as eagles, buzzards and harriers.
The name "Goshawk" is derived from "goose hawk" and may refer to this bird's barred plumage as well as its ability to take large prey.
Distribution / Range:
It is a geographically widespread species and inhabits the temperate parts of the northern hemisphere. In North America, it is called the Northern Goshawk. It is mainly resident, but birds from colder regions of north Asia and Canada migrate south for the winter.
In Britain the Goshawk became extinct in the 19th century because of specimen collectors and persecution by gamekeepers, but in recent years it has come back by immigration from Europe, escaped falconry birds, and deliberate releases.
In Eurasia, the male is confusable with a female Sparrowhawk, but is larger, much bulkier and has relatively longer wings. In spring, he has a spectacular roller-coaster display, and this is the best time to see this secretive forest bird.
Description:
This bird is a raptor with short broad wings and a long tail, both adaptations to manoeuvring through trees.
The male is blue-grey above and barred grey below, 49-56 cm long with a 93-105 cm (37"-41") wingspan.
The female is larger, averaging 58-64 cm in length. "At times during specific conditions, the wings can take on a bulky, broad-winged structure." (Quoted info provided by: Nelson Briefer - Goshawk Specialist).
The juvenile is brown above and barred brown below.
The flight is a characteristic "slow flap – slow flap – straight glide".
Breeding / Nesting:
This species nests in trees, building a new nest each year.
Feeding:
It hunts birds and mammals in woodland, relying on surprise as it flies from a perch or hedge-hops to catch its prey unaware. Animals as large as hares and pheasant are taken.
Call / Song:
Its call is a fierce screech.
Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.org
Relevant Web Resources:
- Northern Goshawk (Virtual Bird Field Guide)
- Northern Goshawk - Accipiter Gentilis (Photos & Info)
- USGS
- Northern Goshawk (Movement & Habit Use of Juvenile Northern Goshawks during the Post-fledging Dependency Period in the Humboldt National Forest)
Grey Goshawks: Grey Goshawks(Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge)
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