Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

County List:

Rule:

Forested or Mixed Forested/Nonforested Landscapes

1st alternative:
      (Any Upland Deciduous (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven))
   containing:
      Conifer Inclusions

2nd alternative:
      (Any Upland Conifers Except Conifer Plantations (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven)) 
   containing:
      Deciduous Inclusions

3rd alternative
      (Any Upland Mixed (Sm Saw or Lg Saw or Uneven)

Habitat List:

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Literature:

The Northern Goshawk inhabits large stands of boreal and northern hardwood forests which are relatively free of dense understory. In such forests, these hawks can maneuver in and below the canopy while hunting and can find large trees to support their nests.

In Michigan, nests occur most often in deciduous trees (aspen, birch, beech, maple) and less so in conifers (white pine and jack pine).

Currently, the most significant threat to continued nesting of the goshawk in Michigan is habitat alteration through timber harvest - directly through effects on nest sites and indirectly by influencing the distribution of competitors and the abundance, distribution, and vulnerability of prey. Several breeding areas in the state were abandoned in recent years following clearcutting. Fragmentation of mature stands and creation of openings favor the influx of the goshawk's competitors, Red-tailed Hawks and Great Horned Owls. The later also preys on goshawk nestlings and adults. Intensive forest management to maximize timber production involves shorter rotation cycles. In the long run, such forestry practices will eliminate most mature forest stands which the goshawk requires for nesting and hunting.

Habitat: Breeding: Interiors of remote and heavily forested areas, coniferous and mixed forests. Wintering: Same as breeding habitats.

Special Habitat Requirements: Extensive mixed woodlands with large trees for nesting.

Habitat: Coniferous and mixed forests. Generally restricted to wooded areas, but may be relatively open woods or along edges. Often more common as a breeding bird in mixed woods than in pure stands of coniferous trees. During winter incursions to the south, may be found in any forest type.

Diet: Mostly birds and small mammals. Feeds on many medium-sized birds, such as grouse and crows; also many squirrels, rabbits, snowshoe hares. Also eats some small birds, small rodents, snakes, insects.

Nest: Site is in tree, often in deciduous tree in mixed forest, at a major crotch in the trunk. Height varies, commonly 25-50 feet above ground, sometimes 15-75 feet up. Nest is a platform of sticks lined with finer material, including green foliage. Nest may be reused, with more material added each year, becoming quite large.