Northern Goshawk

Accipiter gentilis

The northern goshawk, Accipiter gentilis, is a powerful forest hawk with short, broad wings, a long tail, and fast maneuvering flight through trees. Adults are usually gray above with a pale barred underside, a strong pale eyebrow, and reddish eyes, while younger birds are browner and streaked. It hunts birds and mammals in mature woodland, boreal forest, and mixed mountain habitats, and it is often noticed first by its defensive calls near a nest.

Human management falls into falconry, rehabilitation, and forest conservation. Where legal, goshawks are birds for experienced falconers who can provide permitted housing, careful weight management, and safe hunting conditions; many programs emphasize captive-bred birds or tightly regulated take. Wildlife biologists monitor nest territories, evaluate timber harvest impacts, and protect breeding areas from repeated disturbance. Injured birds require raptor rehabilitators, not casual care, because stress, foot injuries, and improper feeding can quickly become serious.