Field Guide

Eurasian Goshawk

Astur gentilis

Aves › Accipitriformes › Accipitridae › Astur

This medium-large bird of prey belongs to the family Accipitridae. It is a powerful hunter, taking birds and mammals in a variety of woodland habitats.

How To Identify

A medium-to-large, powerful raptor featuring cryptic brown and gray plumage that allows it to blend seamlessly into woodlands. It possesses a strong hooked beak and distinctive yellow legs, hallmarks of the genus.

Habitat

It inhabits mixed and coniferous forests across the Northern Hemisphere, from lowland woodlands to boreal forests, preferring areas with dense tree cover for hunting.

Behaviour

Goshawks are ambush predators that perch quietly and scan for prey, then launch sudden attacks with explosive acceleration through forest canopy to capture birds and small mammals.

Native Range

The Eurasian Goshawk is native to North Africa throughout most of Europe except Iceland Turkey and the north and center of Asia.

Did You Know?

The male has two distinct calls: a fast, high-pitched kew-kew-kew when delivering food, or a croaking guck or chup when encountering a female.

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