The Goshawk is a medium-sized bird of prey belonging to the genus Accipiter, which includes around 50 species of hawks and eagles. The scientific name for the Goshawk is Accipiter gentilis.
The Goshawk is a relatively large bird, with a wingspan of up to 120cm and a weight of up to 1.5kg. It has short, broad wings and a long tail, which makes it an extremely agile hunter. The Goshawk is sexually dimorphic, meaning that males and females have different physical characteristics. Male Goshawks are smaller and slimmer than females, with a wingspan of up to 100cm and a weight of up to 800g. Females are larger and heavier, with a wingspan of up to 120cm and a weight of up to 1.5kg.
The call of the Goshawk is a loud, piercing "kak-kak-kak" or "kek-kek-kek" sound, which is often heard during the breeding season.
Goshawks are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and open countryside. They are particularly well adapted to hunting in wooded areas, where they can use their agility to navigate through trees and catch their prey.
Historically, Goshawks were heavily persecuted by humans, particularly in Europe, where they were hunted for their feathers and as a sport. As a result, populations of Goshawks declined dramatically. However, in recent years, Goshawk populations have started to recover, due in part to conservation efforts and changes in attitudes towards birds of prey. Today, Goshawks are protected by law in many countries, and their populations are considered to be stable. However, they still face threats from habitat loss, illegal hunting, and the use of pesticides.
