Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Goshawk

Scientific name: Accipiter gentilis


Goshawk

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: ACCIPITRIDAE

Group: Birds

Shyness: Shy

Safe distance: 50 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.03-31.03

Gestation: 35 jours

Births: 05.05-10.05


Habitat:
Dense temperate and boreal forests

Description:
The Northern Goshawk is an elegant and powerful raptor, known for its slender silhouette and rapid, erratic flight through dense forests. This medium-sized hawk primarily inhabits temperate forests in Europe, Asia, and North America, where it hunts birds, primarily wood pigeons, doves, and sometimes smaller prey. The Northern Goshawk is an exceptional hunter, using its speed and precise aerial maneuvers to catch its prey. Despite its remarkable flying skills, the Northern Goshawk is discreet and often difficult to spot, preferring to blend into its forest environment. While not currently threatened, habitat loss and human disturbance pose risks to its population.

Recommended lens:
>=300 mm

Photography tips:
Photograph from a distance using a telephoto lens to avoid disturbing the Eurasian goshawk, especially during its fast flights or when it is perched. Favor golden hours (morning and late afternoon), when the light is soft and the bird is often more active. Capture its fast and acrobatic flight: The Eurasian goshawk is agile and fast, so be ready to track its flight with a high-performance autofocus. Be patient: Wait for it to land or hunt, but do not try to approach too closely to avoid disturbing it. The Eurasian goshawk is a species of minor concern, but it is essential to respect its space, especially during the breeding and hunting periods. Make sure to follow local conservation guidelines and avoid excessive disturbance of this bird.

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