American Goshawk
A forest raptor now named American Goshawk; it is a remote mature-forest bird to observe, never a species to attract near a residence.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look quietly in large mature forests, especially conifer or mixed forest with closed canopy, water nearby, and broad forest openings.
Food
Birds and mammals including squirrels, hares, rabbits, grouse, woodpeckers, jays, and other available prey.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Keep the record honest.
Historical name Northern Goshawk; North American birds are currently treated as American Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus).
Identification note
Historical name Northern Goshawk; North American birds are currently treated as American Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus).
American Goshawk habitat
Protect mature and old forest structure; a populated yard is not representative habitat, and a large accipiter near a feeder is usually a Cooper’s Hawk instead.
American Goshawk diet and food
Birds and mammals including squirrels, hares, rabbits, grouse, woodpeckers, jays, and other available prey.
Never feed or bait a goshawk, and do not use a songbird feeder as a way to lure a predator.
American Goshawk nesting and breeding
Builds large stick nests high in the biggest trees, often maintaining alternate nests; do not approach, search for, or photograph an active nest.
American Goshawk behavior and where to look
A secretive ambush hunter that moves between perches and may defend a nest area intensely.
Photography
Use a long lens on public land with great distance and leave immediately if the bird shows alarm or defensive behavior.
What to avoid
Never approach a calling goshawk near a nest, use playback or bait, or treat a sighting in town as confirmation of this species.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
