NORTHERN GOSHAWK
Accipiter gentilis
Notable Physical Characteristics - Size - Habitat - Nesting - Hunting
Behavior - Call - Additional Information - Resources
Notable Physical Characteristics
Stocky, broad body
Long, broad tail
Long, pointed wings
Gray barring on belly
Whitish body
Two-toned upperwing: black and gray
White band extending above eye
Large accipiter
Length: 21”
Wingspan: 41”
Weight: 2.1 lb.
(Female slightly larger than male)
Very rare in southwest and mid-western states, range through out Northern U.S and Canada
Edges of mixed or coniferous forests
Nests in the high canopy of most forest types
Clutch size: 2-4 eggs
Incubation period: 28-30 days
Incubation primarily by female
Ambush attacks
Primarily hunts medium-sized birds, ground squirrels, and rabbits
Hunt by flying rapidly along forest edges
May stalk prey on foot
Flight pattern: flap-flap-glide
Soars only during migration and courtship
Extremely aggressive when defending nest
Cackling kye kye kye
Great horned owls are greatest predator
Life span is approximately 11 years
Revered as a symbol for strength, it adorned the helmet of Attila the Hun