To attract mates, the female performs aerial stunts while calling. If she locates a mate, the two birds co-operate in building a new nest, or repairing an old one. They'll build a thin bowl of a nest out of sticks, lined with bark and padded with greenery, high in a tree. Typically, these birds mate for life and raise 1-4 chicks, once a year.
Most goshawks remain in the same area throughout their lives, but fly south for the winter and then return home in the spring.
Goshawks are extremely territorial, and they will attempt to scare away others, especially if their nest is nearby, with aerial displays. If they feel threatened, goshawks will attack.
After perching silently for long periods, the goshawk may switch to a different perch and watch for prey. These bulky birds may not be as agile as their smaller prey, so sometimes they just crash through the tree canopy in pursuit of a meal.
· Largest of the Accipiters. Female larger than male. · Long tail. · Broad, rounded wings. · Dark cap and stripe through eye. · White eyebrow stripe. · Gray belly. · Blue-gray back.
(Cornell University, 2011)
Vocalization:
Ecology:
Northern Goshawk live in forested habitats and hunt large birds, squirrels, rabbits and hares.(National Geographic, 2011)
Conservation Status:
Timber harvesting lead to destruction of habitat, habitat fragmentation and loss of nesting sites, but conservation efforts may help their numbers recover.(National Geographic, 2011)