Goshawks are present in increasing numbers in Britain - probably over 300 pairs - and the majority are probably related to birds released by falconers. They were originally called 'goose hawks', probably due to their size and finely-barred plumage.

Statistics
Goshawks have a body length of 48-69cm, a wingspan of 96-127cm and weigh 0.5-1.5kg.

Physical description
Females are larger than the males. Goshawks are very similar in appearance to sparrowhawks, although they are much larger. They have short, broad wings and a long tail. The under-parts of the body and tail are white and barred, and they have a bold white eyestripe. The upper-parts of the body are grey/brown.

Distribution
Goshawks inhabit N. America, Europe, N. Asia, Turkey, Iran, Tibet, China and Japan.

Habitat
Their preferred habitat is broad-leaved and coniferous forest.

Diet
They hunt small and medium-sized birds and mammals including grouse, rabbits and hares. Their preference for gamebirds has led to their frequent persecution by gamekeepers.

Behaviour
Most prey are caught at the forest edge, but goshawks are expert fliers and are capable of fast flights through the forest when chasing prey. They are considered to be efficient and aggressive hunters.

Reproduction
They nest in April and May. Both parents build the nest, which is typically made from sticks and lined with leaves and is positioned in large trees, about 20m above the ground. The female lays 3-4 eggs, which she incubates for 35-38 days. The chicks fledge after 34-41 days, but do not become independent of their parents until after 70-90 days (females usually take an extra week to leave the nest). Both parents bring food to the chicks but it is the female who directly feeds them the food. Goshawks tend to mate for life.

Conservation status
Goshawks are not considered to be globally threatened, although they have been heavily persecuted and have suffered from loss of habitat due to deforestation. In Britain, most nests are kept secret to protect the birds.

Voice
The typical call is a shrill ca-ca-ca-ca and the female also emits a hi-aa hi-aa cry when greeting the male to the nest.