Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
Photo credit: John C. Carlson
Length: 20-26 in.
Wingspan: 42 in.
Habitat: Coniferous forests; also farmlands, woodland edges, and open country in the winter.
Range: Alaska, Mackenzie, N. Quebec, and Newfoundland south to New England, Michigan and New Mexico; also southward in the Appalachians to Maryland. Winters south to Virginia and northern mexico.
Its sound is loud kak-kak-kak-kak-kak when disturbed.
This is a heavy-bodied hawk with a dark blue-gray back and black crown, pale underparts finely barred with gray, and a conspicuous white eyebrow. Young birds are similar but brown above, streaked below.
The swift flight of the Norhtern Goshawk chasing a grouse (which is a staple of its diet) has given the bird the name "Blue Darter." It is fearless in defense of the nest and will boldly attack anyone who ventures too close. It has recently begun extending its range to the south, and now breeds in small numbers in deciduous forests.
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