Northern Goshawks

The Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is considered a sensitive species by the US Forest Service and has been petitioned on two occasions for endangered species status. Many national forests utilize the goshawk as a management indicator species.

The Intermountain Bird Observatory has studied the Northern Goshawk off and on since the early 1990’s

We have contributed directly and consulted for a number of forest management plans in Idaho and elsewhere, and have published a number of peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Project Objectives

Evaluating the population trends for the species

a dead goshawk chick laying on the forest floor with some white downy feathers plus darker brown juvenile plumage growing in — Dead nestling on ground below a nest. Likely predation by avian predator (Great Horned Owl?), South Hills, Idaho.

A closeup of a goshawk foot perched on a branch. The long sharp talons are visible, as well as a purple aluminum leg band — Purple color band Z3. Color bands are used to identify and track individuals from year to year, without requiring them to be re-trapped.

This individual was banded in the South Hills in 2012 and was found breeding in the Albion Mountains in 2014 and 2015.

ATV trail directly beneath Northern Goshawk nest, Sublett Mountains, Idaho.

This nest tree in a Northern Goshawk territory was harvested for fire wood.

Evaluating the response of the species to changes occurring within the forest (e.g., increased anthropogenic disturbance, climate change, disease outbreaks, timber harvesting).

Adult male goshawk trapped in un-capped water tank (later rescued), Sublett Mountains, Idaho.

Fire, natural and human caused, poses a threat to historical nesting territories, Black Pine Mountains, Idaho.

two biologists work together to band a large Northern Goshawk

Raptor biologist Rob (right) instructing student researcher Steph (left) on banding technique of this adult female goshawk, South Hills, Idaho, 2014

Student researcher Lauren rappelling out of a goshawk nest tree. South Hills, Idaho 2016. Photo Credit: Elizabeth Meisman

Providing educational and training opportunities for students preparing for a career in wildlife biology

Student researcher Michelle holding adult female goshawk for banding, South Hills, Idaho, 2014. Michelle went on to complete her M.S. at Boise State.

Student researcher Carly releasing a large adult female goshawk after banding, measuring, and weighing. Sublett Mountains, Idaho 2017.

Student researcher Kenny (left) and forest wildlife biologist Scott banding a goshawk nestling, Sublett Mountains, Idaho, 2015.

Project News

More Goshawk News

December 30, 2022

Job Posting: Northern Goshawk Technician Utah and Wyoming 2023

We need a two person team to complete Northern Goshawk survey work during the summer of 2023 (11 weeks: May 28th - August 12th).

More Goshawk News

Research and Reports

View references, reports, and project updates on our ResearchGate page

Get in touch!

Questions?

Contact Goshawk Project Lead, Rob Miller, with your questions: RobertMiller7@boisestate.edu