Goshawk
\nThe
Goshawk (
Accipiter gentilis) is a medium large
bird of prey in the family
Accipitridae which also includes many other diurnal
raptors such as
eagles, buzzards and
harrierss.
It is a widespread species throughout the temperate parts of the
northern hemisphere. In
North America it is named as the
Northern Goshawk. It is mainly resident, but birds from colder regions of north
Asia and
Canada move south for the winter.
This species nests in trees, building a new nest each year. 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.
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. The much larger female is slate grey above grey below. The juvenile is brown above and barred brown below. The flight is a characteristic "slow flap – slow flap – straight glide".
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Flight image
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.
The
T-45 Goshawk is a training aircraft used by the
United States Navy.
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