Have You Seen a Goshawk?

Have You Seen a Goshawk?

Where to Look...
Found in remote, higher-elevation forests across northern PA and in mountainous areas southward.

Primarily in mature mixed and conifer forests with open understory.

Devoted parents and will dive at or physically attack any perceived threat around their nest, including humans.

Highly secretive except at nest.

How to Identify a Goshawk...
Large (bigger than a crow).

Heavy-bodied.

Overall slate gray above and pale gray below.

Distinct whitish eyebrow set off by dark cheek and cap.

Long, broad, barred tail.

Broad wings, often appearing pointed at tips
 
Fluffy feathers under tail often noticeable.

Rarely soar, usually seen below tree canopy.

Flight is fast and agile, making identification difficult.

Typically call excitedly near nest area: “kak kak kak…”

How to Identify a Goshawk Nest...
Usually in fork of tall tree (typically in cherry, maple, birch, pine, or hemlock).

Usually high in canopy.

Made of large sticks (many bigger than ½” diameter).

Average 2.5 to 3 ft diameter.
Goshawks Can Be Confused With These Other Species
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