Eurasian Goshawk Bird Details
Accipiter gentilis
Eurasian Goshawk,Northern Goshawk, Goshawk;
Bada Baaz
Linnaeus (1758)
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Accipiter
Distributed across much of Europe, Asia, and North America, including countries like the UK, Germany, Russia, Japan, Canada, and the USA and India (Himalayan foothills and northern forests).
Appearance :
One of the larger Accipiter species, with females being bigger than males. Adults has slate-grey upperparts with fine white underparts, barred with dark horizontal streaks. Juveniles has brown upperparts with vertical streaks on the underparts. Adults have red or orange eyes, while juveniles have yellow eyes.
Behaviour :
It usually hunts from a perch, launching a surprise attack on prey. Powerful and direct flight, capable of fast speeds through dense forests. Known for being highly territorial and can be aggressive, especially around nests.
Habitat :
Found in large forests, especially in mixed or coniferous woodlands, but also in open countryside with scattered trees. Prefers habitats with a combination of dense cover for nesting and open areas for hunting.
Diet :
Birds such as crows, pigeons, and game birds like pheasants, Small mammals (rabbits, squirrels), and reptiles.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found across a wide range of the temperate Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.
Population Size :
The global population is large, with an estimated 500,000–1 million mature individuals.
Life Span :
About 7–10 years in the wild, though some individuals can live longer.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Eurasian Goshawk has a robust and muscular body, suited for high-speed pursuits and powerful ambushes. Females are significantly larger than males, showing pronounced sexual dimorphism.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (lower leg) is strong and thick, adapted for gripping large prey. It typically measures around 5.5 to 7 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively large, with a pronounced brow ridge, giving the bird a fierce, focused look.
- Bill: Short, strongly hooked, designed for tearing flesh.
- Bill Length: The bill is about 2–2.5 cm in length.
Length :
Males: 46–57 cm. Females: 58–69 cm.
Neck :
Short and sturdy, allowing quick head movements during hunting and handling prey.
Size :
Males: Smaller and more agile. Females: Larger, more powerful hunters capable of taking down bigger prey.
Tail Details :
- Shape: Long and broad with rounded corners, ideal for agile flight through forests.
- Tail Length: Ranges from 23 to 30 cm, with females having longer tails than males.
- Feathers: The upperparts are slate-grey (in adults) with a bluish sheen, while the underparts are pale with fine horizontal dark bars. Juveniles are brown with streaked underparts.
Weight :
Males: 630–1,100 grams. Females: 860–2,200 grams.
Wing :
Broad and rounded wings allow for powerful, fast flight through dense forests, offering excellent maneuverability.
Wing Span :
Males: 98–104 cm. Females: 105–120 cm.
Facial Feature :
Adult Eurasian Goshawks have red or orange eyes, while juveniles have yellow eyes. Beak is strong, short, and hooked with a prominent cere (the fleshy area at the base of the bill) that is yellow or orange.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is typically built high up in a tall tree, often in large forests. Goshawks reuse old nests or may build new ones in the same territory year after year.
- Nest Made up of: The nest is constructed from sticks and twigs, lined with bark, greenery, and sometimes feathers.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season usually begins in late winter to early spring, with courtship taking place from March to April.
Nesting Season :
Nest construction or refurbishment begins in March, and egg-laying typically occurs from April to May.
Egg Color :
The eggs are bluish-white and usually unmarked, though occasionally there may be light speckling.
Egg Length :
Around 59–64 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 45–50 mm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs approximately 50-60 grams.
Clutch Size :
A typical clutch consists of 2 to 4 eggs, though larger females may lay up to 5 eggs.
No. of Broods :
1 brood per year is typical, though if the first clutch is lost early, they may attempt a second one.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts for 35–38 days
Nestling Period :
The chicks remain in the nest for about 35–42 days before fledging.
Vocalization :
The most common vocalization is a sharp "kek-kek-kek" sound, especially during the breeding season.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are significantly larger and more powerful than males.
Migration Details :
- Type: Partial migratory species. Goshawks in northern and colder regions often migrate south during the winter, while those in milder climates tend to stay year-round.
- Migration Period: Migration occurs in autumn, generally between September and November, with a return in spring from March to April.
- Migration Route: Birds from northern Europe and Russia migrate southward towards southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Some may cross the Mediterranean Sea during migration.