Northern Goshawk

Northern Goshawk key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

20-25 years

Size

Males about 50cm, females about 56.5cm (wingspan about 100-130cm; weights vary by region, averaging 865g in males and 1,414g in females in central Fennoscandia, with medians of 690g and 1,050g in Spain)

Diet

Frozen raptor food such as quail, day-old chicks and mice; in the wild birds and small to medium mammals

Cage

It needs a weather-proof, predator-proof mews of adequate size, or tethered housing with daily manning and free flight. Being a nervous bird, it should be sited somewhere quiet with little human traffic.

Temperament

A solitary hunter, fierce and highly strung. In falconry it demands more skill than species such as Harris's hawk and is regarded as requiring rigorous training.

Vocalization

In the breeding season or when excited it gives a sharp repeated kek-kek-kek. It is not a year-round caller, but the voice carries.

Notes

Its listing as a nationally endangered species was lifted in September 2017, but capture, trade, import and export remain restricted under the wildlife protection law except for purposes such as academic research. Taking wild birds in Japan is prohibited, and falconry tradition is carried on with imported birds, so always confirm provenance. References still split between Accipiter gentilis and Astur gentilis for the scientific name, and the American Goshawk (Astur atricapillus) of North America was separated as a distinct species in 2019, so the English name Goshawk alone does not identify the bird. Match provenance and paperwork against the scientific name.

About Northern Goshawk

Northern Goshawk: a slate-grey, finely barred mid-sized raptor famed in falconry. Males about 50cm, females about 56.5cm, wingspan 100-130cm. An advanced-keeper bird, available only as captive-bred or imported individuals.

7 things to know before welcoming a Northern Goshawk

1. 1Plenty of Flight Space

   Northern Goshawks are powerful fliers, so they need an enclosure with enough width and height to move freely. A cramped setup can cause stress and feather damage, so the housing must be ready before the bird arrives.

2. 2Handling Takes Experience

   Goshawks are famously alert and highly strung, requiring specialized knowledge and hands-on experience to handle safely. They don't tame easily and are not a good choice for a first-time raptor keeper.

3. 3A Specialized Diet

   As a bird of prey, a goshawk needs a specialized diet of whole prey or raw meat. Getting the nutritional balance wrong can harm its health, so guidance from someone experienced with raptor diets is strongly recommended.

4. 4Ongoing Flight Training

   Regular flight training is essential to keep a goshawk physically and mentally healthy. Skipping consistent training can lead to muscle loss and increased stress, so you need to be able to commit the time ongoing.

5. 5Confirm the Bird's Origin

   Birds available domestically are limited to captive-bred or imported individuals. When acquiring one, check the leg band and any accompanying documentation that shows the bird's origin.

6. 6Daily Health Checks

   Birds of prey tend to mask illness, so daily observation of feather condition, appetite, and droppings is important. If anything seems off, consult a vet experienced with raptors as early as possible.

7. 7Prepare Before You Commit

   Before bringing home a large, sharp-tempered raptor like this, honestly weigh the time, physical stamina, and experience you can commit day to day. Make sure your setup and knowledge are fully in place first.

Frequently asked questions about Northern Goshawk

Q.Can a beginner keep a Northern Goshawk?

A.The Northern Goshawk is suited to advanced keepers, and handling it requires specialized knowledge and experience. If this is your first raptor, it's best to learn under an experienced keeper first.

Q.How big does a Northern Goshawk get?

A.Adults reach about 50cm for males and about 56.5cm for females, with females growing noticeably larger. The wingspan stretches to around 100-130cm.

Q.How much does body weight vary between individuals?

A.Body weight varies considerably by region: reported figures include an average of 865g for males and 1,414g for females in central Fennoscandia, versus a median of 690g for males and 1,050g for females in Spain. Keep in mind the range can differ widely even within the same species.

Q.Can a wild-caught Northern Goshawk be kept as a pet?

A.Only captive-bred or imported individuals are available domestically, and capturing wild birds is not permitted. Be sure to confirm a bird's origin before acquiring one.

Q.Does CITES apply to keeping a Northern Goshawk?

A.Northern Goshawk is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Useful tools for Northern Goshawk care

Learn more about Northern Goshawk in the encyclopedia

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