Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
This Northern Goshawk was injured in February 2009 as a sub-adult. Found in Kersey, Colorado, he had severe head trauma (including a fractured skull) and a fractured right humerus (upper wing bone). The head trauma left him with vision deficits making him non-releasable.
When he was admitted, he was so small he almost looked like an immature Cooper’s Hawk! We knew he was a Goshawk, but it was crazy to see such a tiny, delicate little hunter! In 2010 he molted into adult feather plumage and his eye color changed to the adult colored red. Although he presented as an adult Goshawk, he was very gentle and sweet…nothing like a normal adult Goshawk!
Northern Goshawks are the largest accipiter species (forest dwelling) of North America. These hawks are well built for maneuvering between trees, chasing food on the wing. Because of their hunting style, it isn’t often that people are able to get a good look at how beautiful these birds are. As an educational ambassador he is able to allow people to see and appreciate this often hard to see bird.
This gentle, agreeable accipiter may not be your typical Goshawk, but his sweet personality makes him the hit of open houses and behind-the-scenes tours. He might not be typical, but we love him no matter what!