Accipiter gentilis

Eurasian Goshawk (Astur gentilis)

The Eurasian goshawk, scientifically known as Astur gentilis, is a formidable medium-large bird of prey inhabiting the temperate zones of Eurasia. It is a member of the Accipitridae family, which includes other diurnal raptors like eagles and buzzards. This species is often simply referred to as "goshawk" due to its status as the sole species of goshawk across most of its extensive range, with the exception of a small area in southern Asia.

Distribution and Habitat

The Eurasian goshawk is widely distributed across Eurasia, found in most areas of Europe (excluding Ireland and Iceland) and across much of Russia into Siberia. Its southern limits extend to northwestern Morocco, Corsica, Sardinia, Italy, Greece, Turkey, the Caucasus, parts of China, Tibet, the Himalayas, and Japan. While primarily a forest dweller, preferring both deciduous and coniferous woods, the Eurasian goshawk has shown a remarkable adaptation to human-altered landscapes. It can be found in urbanized areas with small woods, shelter-belts, and copses, and has even been observed thriving in large European cities. They inhabit various altitudes, typically up to the tree line of mountain ranges.

Physical Characteristics

A defining feature of the Eurasian goshawk is its specialized morphology for agile flight within wooded environments: short, broad wings and a long tail. Adults typically display blue-grey or brownish-grey upperparts with dark barring or streaking on a grey or white underside. A distinctive white eye stripe, or supercilium, is present. Juveniles are usually a more uniform brown above. A notable characteristic is significant sexual dimorphism, with females being substantially larger and heavier than males. This size difference can be quite pronounced, with females sometimes weighing more than double that of males. Their eyes are pale yellow in juveniles, maturing to a typical orange in adults.

Behavior and Ecology

The Eurasian goshawk is predominantly a resident species, though individuals from colder northern regions undertake southward migrations during winter. They are known to call mainly during courtship or the nesting season, with adults producing chattering notes. Males have distinct vocalizations, including a fast, high-pitched call when delivering food and a croaking sound. The species exhibits a relatively high degree of individual variation in plumage, more so than its smaller relative, the Eurasian sparrowhawk. This variability is thought to be linked to higher genetic diversity within the larger goshawk population.