Northern Goshawk

Accipiter gentilis
L 21-26″(53-66 cm) W 40-46″(102-117 cm).

Song or calls:
Listen (NGPC audio)

Kek kek kek.” Around nest will give harsh scream.

Description: Sexes similar. Females are larger. Conspicuous black eyebrow that widens behind eye. White eye-stripe separates dark crown from dark gray back. White with light gray cross-barring below. Fluffy undertail coverts. Immature brown above, buffy with streaks below.

Bird Map
Habitat: Found in wooded to heavily forested areas.

Where in Nebraska: Occasional winter visitor and spring migrant. Has been seen almost statewide. Not thought to breed in Nebraska.

Field Notes: Probably less common in occurence now than previously.

Fun Facts: Northern Goshawks are known for their territorial and ferriocious behavior so it is no wonder that Attila the Hun had a Northern Goshawk adorned on his helmet.