Bird Focus of the Week: Goshawk

Accipiter gentilis

Northern Goshawk by Andrey Strizhkov

The Northern Goshawk is, without question, one of the most thrilling raptors to spot in the UK. Larger and more powerful than its cousin, the Sparrowhawk, the Goshawk is a bird that truly embodies the phrase “phantom of the forest.” Though elusive and rarely seen, those lucky enough to witness its commanding flight through woodland will never forget it.

The Goshawk is a formidable bird, much bulkier than the Sparrowhawk, with broad, rounded wings and a long tail that helps it manoeuvre through dense trees. Adult Goshawks sport a slate-grey back, while their underparts are pale with fine barring. Their intense look is accentuated by that sharp, white eyebrow—known as the supercilium—which stands out against their dark hooded head.

Juveniles are browner and streakier than adults, often leading to confusion with young Sparrowhawks. However, size is the main giveaway—female Goshawks are impressively large, sometimes mistaken for a buzzard at a distance.

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of a Goshawk in the UK, you’ll need to head to large, mature woodlands. They favour forests where they can hunt in the shadows and use their agility to dash between trees. Their strongholds are in the upland woods of Scotland, northern England, and Wales, though you can find them in some parts of southern England too, if you know where to look.

Goshawks were once driven to extinction in the UK due to relentless persecution by gamekeepers and habitat loss. However, reintroduction efforts, both deliberate and accidental, have seen their numbers slowly increase over the years. Even so, they remain secretive birds, and while populations are growing, Goshawks are still far from common.

One of the most exhilarating things about the Goshawk is its hunting style. Unlike buzzards or eagles, which hunt in open spaces, the Goshawk is built for speed and precision in dense woodland. It can appear from nowhere, weaving through trees to ambush prey with astonishing accuracy.

Goshawks mainly hunt medium-sized birds like woodpigeons, corvids, and game birds, but they won’t say no to a rabbit or squirrel either. Their technique often involves a low, fast approach through cover before striking suddenly. Their ability to stay hidden until the very last second is part of what makes them so hard to spot.

Though Goshawks are slowly making a comeback in the UK, they are still persecuted in some areas, particularly where game bird shooting is prevalent. Despite being fully protected by law, these magnificent birds are sometimes illegally killed by those who see them as a threat to their livelihoods. Habitat loss is another issue, though the expansion of forestry in some parts of the UK is proving beneficial for them.

For birders, the Goshawk’s return is a symbol of hope—proof that, with the right protections, even species pushed to the brink can recover.

Spotting a Goshawk is no easy task, but it can be done. Winter is often the best time, as the bare trees make these birds slightly easier to pick out. You’ll most likely see one soaring over a woodland or gliding across a forest edge, its broad wings and powerful flight style standing out from buzzards or harriers.

In early spring, Goshawks engage in spectacular display flights, showing off their aerial prowess. If you’re in the right spot at the right time, you might see a pair circling high above the treetops, calling loudly to each other. Keep an ear out for their distinctive “kek-kek-kek” calls.

Some of the best places to look for Goshawks are well-known raptor watchpoints in northern England and Scotland. You’ll need a bit of patience, a decent pair of binoculars, and a willingness to spend hours scanning the skies, but when that Goshawk finally appears, all that effort will be worth it.

For many British birdwatchers, seeing a Goshawk in the wild is a bit of a holy grail. It’s a bird that combines grace, power, and a sense of mystery, making each sighting a memorable event. As their numbers slowly increase across the UK, it’s a real privilege to witness the return of this forest phantom. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, keep at it—you never know when a Goshawk might glide silently overhead, turning your birding day into something unforgettable.