Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) by Ronald Pol

About "Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)"

by Ronald Pol

About the artwork

The Northern Goshawk is a powerful, medium-sized bird of prey that belongs to the family of hawks. It has a robust build with broad wings and a long tail, making it agile in dense forests. Adult Northern Goshawk have a grey-brown back, a light underside with fine horizontal stripes, and sharp yellow or orange eyes.

The Northern Goshawk is found across much of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. It prefers extensive forests, especially coniferous and mixed deciduous forests, but can sometimes be seen in parks and cities. Northern Goshawks build their nests high in trees, often in remote areas to avoid disturbance.

The diet of the Northern Goshawk is highly varied and mainly consists of birds such as pigeons, crows, and pheasants, as well as small mammals like rabbits and squirrels. It is known for its spectacular hunting techniques, flying low and fast through trees and bushes to surprise its prey.

Northern Goshawks are solitary and highly territorial, especially during the breeding season. They usually hunt alone, relying on their speed and agility to catch prey. In spring, their aerial displays are part of their courtship behavior. The female typically lays 3-5 eggs, which she guards together with the male. The Northern Goshawk is a symbol of strength and determination in many cultures due to its keen hunting instinct.