Northern Goshawk
Accipiter Gentilis
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Accipitiridae
Genus: Accipiter

    The largest of the accipiters, or bird hawks, and a resident of dense woodlands, the goshawk’s diet is mostly small mammals, such as squirrels and rabbits. They also take pigeons and grouse, and are a leading predator of the crow.  Because they prey less on insect eating birds, they have not declined as much due to pesticide poisoning as their smaller cousin, the Cooper’s hawk.  In fact, they have spread south from the Canadian forests to take over cooper hawk territories in some areas.
 

  Often used by falconers, goshawks will burst from cover to take prey. They are extremely daring, and will sometimes take domestic ducks, geese and chickens right in front of the farmer, which might partially explain why hawks in general have such a bad reputation.  They nest high in hardwood trees, and will dive at and drive away people who approach their nest, with the larger female leading the attack.

  The goshawk is the only raptor which pursues its prey on the ground.  Compare its feet to the other raptors.  Can you see anything that might make running on the ground easier for the goshawk?

  "Athena" collided with a tractor, while hunting rodents in a farmer's field in Crowne point. Goshawks, and accipiters generally tend to be more nervous in captivity, and as Rehab patients, than are the Buteos, such as Red-Tailed Hawks, so please speak softly, move slowly, and give Athena space.