Goshawks

Characteristic features of goshawks

The genus is represented on all continents and, like the sparrowhawks, inhabits mainly forested areas. Typical of goshawks are their relatively short, broad wings and long tail. This makes them particularly agile and fast. An important prerequisite, as they mainly hunt in forests. The females are about twice as large as the males. In general, goshawks reach a body size of approximately 48 - 62 cm.

Forests or wooded areas are not only the preferred hunting territory for goshawks, but the animals also like to settle there. In recent years, an increasing urbanisation of goshawks has been observed, at least in European countries and limited to individual cities. Even if goshawks venture into cities, they prefer a natural environment with woodland, such as cemeteries, forests and parks. Goshawks mainly feed on smaller birds, but also mice or reptiles. Their hunting territory is not limited to ground-level areas – they also like to take advantage of the breeding season and prey on newly hatched young in nests.

Population of goshawks

The goshawk population in Europe has recovered since the 1970s, after the species had almost become extinct. The United Kingdom is the only country in Europe where the goshawk had to be re-established, as the population was considered extinct in the mid-1950s.