The Northern Goshawk's Diet

The northern goshawk is the largest of the accipitridae family of falcons. The range of the bird includes the Rocky Mountains, most of Canada and Alaska and parts of the Pacific Northwest. Normal habitat for the northern goshawk includes mature forests of evergreen trees at moderate and high elevations. The northern goshawk has a wingspan of up to 4 feet with a nose to tail length of up to 27 inches, according to the website of The Peregrine Fund. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists the northern goshawk as a species of concern.

  1. Diet

    • The northern goshawk is a bird of prey, meaning it hunts and kills animals to consume a diet of meat. Common prey species include small to medium-sized mammals such as squirrels, hares and rabbits. They also pursue medium- to large-sized birds including game birds such as grouse and even songbirds.

    Hunting Methods for Mammals

    • According to the website of the Seattle Audubon Society, the northern goshawk either watches the ground in open areas from nearby trees or patrols the sky watching for prey. The falcon then swoops down on the animal and kills it. The northern goshawk will take the prey animal to a perch to consume.

    Hunting Methods for Birds

    • A less common method of hunting is to attack and kill birds in mid-flight. The northern goshawk will approach the prey bird silently and overcome by accelerating to a faster speed before capturing the bird and killing it. Birds are also taken to a perch for consumption.

    Seasonal Changes in Diet

    • The northern goshawk is not migratory and lives in the same area most of its adult life. According to the website of the Seattle Audubon Society, they may spend winters at lower elevations in mountainous areas. The available prey species can change through the year with fewer birds available as prey during the winter. The northern goshawk will hunt and feed on whatever prey is most available through the year.

    Young Northern Goshawks

    • Young birds are fed by their parents for about 70 days after hatching. At that point they become independent and begin their own hunting efforts.