How long can a goshawk live

Nesting: Goshawks build large stick nests high up in a tree, usually a conifer. They are highly secretive whilst nesting, but when displaying on fine days in early spring, high above the trees, they can give their presence away and this is often the best time to see this elusive species.

Photo Norbert Kenntner via Wikimedia Commons. Habitat and Distribution: Goshawk share the same short, blunt wings as their smaller cousin, Sparrowhawk, which gives a clue to their woodland habitat. Enabling them to move rapidly and agilely through dense vegetation, Goshawk are supremely adapted to life in wooded areas. The majority of birds are found in woodland, and they are prone to disturbance, so tend to be found in remoter areas, they are extremely rare in urban areas and are highly unlikely to be found taking birds in gardens.

They are most likely to be encountered in Wales and southern and eastern Scotland, but there are also well-known populations around Dartmoor, New Forest, Thetford Forest, Pennines and Northumberland. It is believed that the population is increasing, but numbers are still too low for it to be monitored by standard bird surveys. Movements: Throughout their huge world range Goshawks can be highly migratory, but British Goshawks are invariably sedentary. Occasionally young birds and migrants wander to UK from northern Europe where they may be more migratory in response to varying food availability.

It is possible that some of the recent population comes from these continental birds which have stayed. Predators include larger hawks, Great Horned Owls, and humans. This diurnal raptor has excellent eyesight that it uses to hunt, but its hearing and smell are not as well-developed. It flies with rapid, steady wing beats alternated with glides. It can dart in and around branches, using its long tail and rounded wings to turn sharply and dodge obstacles. Goshawks can drop suddenly on their prey and kill it on the ground or in pursuit in the air.

It may fly as fast as 30 to 40 mph. Goshawks nest on the branches of birch, maple, beech, juniper, pine, or spruce trees next to the trunk from April to June. Goshawk fledglings become independent after around three months. They reach sexual maturity at two years old. The goshawk has a scattered population across the UK, with the greatest numbers in Wales and southern Scotland.

The goshawk is famously elusive. Look for it in dense woodland and especially woods planted with conifers.

Your best chance of spotting one is on a clear, fresh day between late winter and early spring, when the birds can be seen flying high over the trees as they perform their display flight to attract a mate.

Goshawks were all but extinct as a breeding bird in the UK by the end of the 19th century due to loss of woodland habitat and persecution from gamekeepers.

Deliberate and accidental reintroductions have seen the population slowly recover, with an estimated birds in However, both habitat loss and persecution remain a threat. As powerful predators, goshawks are often used for falconry.

Learn how to identify the UK's birds of prey with our quick guide to their calls, key features and likely hangouts. Appearance and behaviour Where to find them Spotting tips Threats.

Quick facts. Common name: goshawk Scientific name: Accipiter gentilis Family: Accipitridae hawks and eagles Habitat: woodland, grassland Diet: smaller birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles Predators: none Origin: native.