Goshawk
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Accipiter gentilis
The goshawk, one of the largest hawks (58 cm, or 23 in. long), is most often found in the montane, foothill, mixedwood and parkland zones associated with heavily wooded areas. It is distinguished by its size, grey-blue underparts, and white eye stripe. The upper parts are a dark slate blue and the crown is black.
In North America the goshawk's range extends from central Alaska east in the woodlands to the Atlantic and south to Mexico. Breeding takes place in the northern areas and winters are spent in the southern portion of the range.
Nesting usually occurs in tall trees, and 3 to 5 bluish white eggs are laid in a nest of twigs lined with bark.
The encroachment of civilization has forced the goshawk into more remote parts of Alberta. Goshawks are efficient forest predators, feeding on game birds, rabbits and various rodents. Near farms they often take poultry and can be a persistent problem.
