The northern goshawk is the largest accipiter in North America and the most widespread accipiter on our planet, breeding in coniferous or mixed forests across northern latitudes of North America and Eurasia; various races occur across that range. In North America, this powerful hawk is found from Alaska to Newfoundland and southward along the Cascade, Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountain corridors; they also inhabit the Appalachian Chain as far south as West Virginia.
Favoring mature forest, goshawks typically hunt from a perch and chase down prey with a rapid, zig-zagging flight; they feed on birds and mammals, including grouse, ptarmigan, jays, woodpeckers, snowshoe hares and tree squirrels. A bulky nest of sticks, lined with tender vegetation, is placed in a tree and vigorously defended; indeed, hikers are often assaulted by the attentive parents. An average of 2-4 eggs are produced each year and both parents take part in feeding the young; the latter are independent by 10 weeks of age.
Northern goshawks are an irruptive species and may turn up across the Great Plains and Midwest during the winter months if prey levels fall in their native forests. In open country, they often hunt pheasant, prairie chickens and rabbits in addition to large songbirds. As with other irruptive species, their numbers in the Heartland vary widely from year to year. On the other hand, despite habitat loss from logging operations, their overall population appears to be stable.
