Latin Etymology: Astur ("hawk") gentilis ("noble/gentle")
Juvenile Northern Goshawk (Astur gentilis - unknown subspecies) in Norfolk - February 2021
Featured Subspecies: (Presumably) Accipiter accipiter gentilis
Weight: 0.6-1.4kg / Length: 55-61cm / Wingspan: 110cm
UK GREEN LIST / IUCN Red List: Least Concern
It seems somewhat paradoxical that one of the most widely distributed of all raptors - found throughout Europe and Northern Asia has been one of the most difficult to catch up with. In part this is due to it's lifestyle; it's a dedicated forest hunter that is only easily seen during the breeding season when they display above the forest, but also it's history in the UK has shaped how easily seen it is. In the Middle Ages it was a highly regarded species - only the nobility were allowed to use them in falconry, but as habits changed to gamekeeper lead shooting, they were now viewed as a menace. The population was all but eradicated, and only supplemented by the release (both accidentaly and intentional) of falconers birds was it able to survive. Whether this means the UK population is of mixed subspecies heritage is unclear. However, the threat of gamekeepers remains, and after the Hen Harrier is potentially the most persecuted raptor in the British Isles.
Related Species:
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Accipiter
Subspecies: A. g. gentilis, A. g. arrigonii, A. g. buteoides, A. g. albidus, A. g. schvedowi, A. g. schvedowi, A. g. fujiyamae, A. g. atricapillus, A. g. laingi, A. g. apache
- Sighting Locations -
UNITED KINGDOM - A widespread but scarce and secretive resident.
- Seen in Norfolk (undisclosed site) .
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