Sisters Country birds

Northern Goshawks are found throughout the mountains and forests of North America and Eurasia. In North America they range from western central Alaska and the Yukon territories in the north to the mountains of northwestern and western Mexico. They are typically not found in the southeastern United States.

Northern Goshawks can be found in coniferous and deciduous forests. During their nesting period, they prefer mature forests consisting of a combination of old, tall trees with intermediate canopy coverage and small open areas within the forest for foraging. During the cold winter months they migrate to warmer areas, usually at lower elevations.

Photo by Douglas Beall

Northern Goshawk.

The largest of the accipiters, females can weigh up to 1,000 grams (2.2 pounds). Adult goshawks are told by their slate gray/blue back, dark cap, and striking white eye line. The underside is white streaked with black and gray. The red eye color in adults is one of their most striking characteristics. Immatures are brown on the back and top of the head; the underside is white streaked with brown. They also have a white eye stripe, although it is not as prominent as in the adults, and a yellow iris. The full adult plumage is not reached until the third year, although second-year birds will have some adult plumage. As in all the accipiters, the female is larger than the male.

Goshawks feed on a wide variety of prey, including rabbits and hares, squirrels, grouse, pigeons, and small birds and mammals. Prey is obtained by a quick approach from cover. There have been few reports of goshawks eating carrion.

Two to five eggs are laid in a well-built stick nest located high in a conifer or hardwood tree. The nest is often built in the crotch of the tree. Goshawks are known for their ferocious defense of the nest against humans, often flying at people who approach. They lay two to four bluish eggs, which incubate for 28-32 days and then fledge after 35 days.

Groups of hawks are called a "boil," a "kettle," or a "cast" of hawks. To view more images of goshawks, visit https://abirdsingsbecauseithasasong.com/recent-journeys/.