Goshawk
Astur gentilis
The Goshawk is a medium-sized, powerful raptor that can be seen in Britain, particularly in woodland areas, although it is a relatively rare breeding species in the UK, with most sightings occurring during migration periods. It is a year-round resident in some parts of the country, with a stronghold in mature woodlands.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Goshawk in the field.
The Goshawk can be identified by its broad wings, long tail, and white underside with fine barring, as well as its distinctive white eyebrow stripe and blue-grey back. Its wings are relatively broad and rounded, with a subtle notch at the tip of the primary feathers.
The Goshawk is larger than a Blue Tit but smaller than a Buzzard, with a length of approximately 49-57 cm.
The male Goshawk has a slate-grey back, wings, and tail, with a white underside that is finely barred with grey, and a white eyebrow stripe above its eye, with a blue-grey crown.
The female Goshawk is similar to the male but is slightly larger and has a more brownish tint to her grey plumage, particularly on the back and wings.
The Goshawk's call is a sharp, high-pitched "kik-kik-kik" or "ti-ti-ti", often repeated in a series, and is typically heard during the breeding season or when the bird is alarmed.
Goshawks are agile and powerful hunters, feeding on a variety of small to medium-sized birds and mammals, which they pursue through woodland with swift, agile flight, often at low levels and with sudden changes in direction.
The Goshawk can be confused with the Sparrowhawk, but can be distinguished by its larger size, broader wings, and more prominent white eyebrow stripe, as well as its more slate-grey back and wings, which are less blue-grey than those of the Sparrowhawk.
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