Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
DESCRIPTION
A large imposing bird of prey the Goshawk is a much heavier and broader accipiter than it's smaller counterpart the sparrowhawk. The adult bird has a grey back with a finely barred underside while the juvenile carries brown upperparts with a black streaked underside. The head has a darker cap with a grey stripe above the eye. In flight a goshawks longer tail distinguish it from, the similar sized, buzzard. The broad wings combined with the long tail give the goshawk the agility and speed needed to catch its often large and fast prey.
HABITAT
An elusive bird, the Goshawk, spends most of its time sat well hidden among the trees that make up a lot of the territory. Most likely spotted soaring over forests, particularly in the early spring, or moving between patches of woodland the Goshawk is rarely seen out in the open.
FOOD
Most of their hunting is done from a perch where they catch birds and mammals from the size of magpies to larger game birds and occasionally other birds of prey. Their ground quarry ranges from mice and rats to rabbits and occasionally hares.
BREEDING
2-4 eggs are laid, between March and May, in a large stick nest within the wood. Incubation generally last around 4-5 weeks.