hawk

The goshawk, a majestic bird of prey with impressive hunting skills, is a key element of many ecosystems. This fact sheet provides a detailed overview of the goshawk's biology and ecology and highlights the importance of protecting its habitats and living peacefully with humans.

hawk Products

Profile: hawk

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Aves (birds)
    • Order: Accipitriformes (birds of prey)
    • Family: Accipitridae (Accipitridae)
    • Genus: Accipiter
    • Species: A. gentilis (hawk)

  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length of 45-65 cm
    • Wingspan: 80-120 cm
    • Weight: 500-1,500 g, depending on gender and age
    • Special features: Compact body, broad wings, long tail feathers, yellowish iris, sharp claws and beak.

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common regions: Europe, North America, Asia
    • Habitat: Diverse, from forests to open country to urban areas; prefers mixed forests with dense tree cover.

  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Carnivore
    • Typical food: birds (e.g. pigeons, pheasants), small mammals (e.g. mice, rabbits), occasionally insects and amphibians.

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Breeding season: spring to summer
    • Nest building: In trees, often in dense treetops
    • Egg laying: 3-5 eggs per clutch
    • Brood care: Both parents participate in breeding and feeding the young
    • Social structure: Usually in pairs, territorial during the breeding season.

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: Up to 15 years in the wild
    • Endangered status: Not threatened, but population declines possible due to habitat loss, pollution and illegal persecution.
    • Conservation measures: preservation and protection of habitats, avoidance of pesticide use in breeding areas, education about the benefits of birds of prey.
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