Yes, there are goshawks found throughout mainland Alaska as well as some of the Aleutian Islands. The northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is a medium-sized raptor that is a year-round resident of Alaska. Goshawks inhabit the boreal forests, coastal rainforests, and mountainous regions of the state. They are skilled forest hunters that prey on other birds, small mammals, and occasionally fish. Goshawks are fierce defenders of their nesting territories and will aggressively chase away intruders.
Goshawk Description
The northern goshawk is a striking raptor with piercing orange-red eyes and slate gray upperparts. The underparts are light gray with fine white barring. Adult goshawks have a distinctive white eye line above the eye. The wings are broad and rounded which aids the goshawk in maneuvering through dense forests in pursuit of prey. Female goshawks are noticeably larger than males. Females reach lengths of up to 25 inches and have wingspans around 48 inches across. Males are typically around 20 inches long with wingspans of 40 inches.
Goshawk Habitat
Goshawks occupy a variety of forested habitats across Alaska including both coniferous and deciduous woodlands. They tend to prefer older mature forests with dense canopy cover. This allows the goshawks to launch surprise ambush attacks from perches above unsuspecting prey. Goshawks are most abundant in boreal spruce-birch forests but also inhabit coastal Sitka spruce and hemlock rainforests. At higher elevations, goshawks nest and hunt amongst scattered alpine woodlands. Along the Aleutian Islands, goshawks occupy forested habitat wherever trees are able to grow despite the challenging maritime climate.
Goshawk Diet
As opportunistic hunters, goshawks prey on a wide variety of animals. Medium-sized birds make up the bulk of their diet including grouse, jays, woodpeckers, and ptarmigan. Goshawks also readily capture squirrels, hares, voles, and other small mammals. Occasionally goshawks will even snatch fish from rivers and streams. During the summer nesting season, goshawks focus intense effort on finding food to provision growing young. The female typically does most of the hunting at this time of year. Prey is often plucked alive directly from the forest floor to deliver to hungry nestlings.
Goshawk Nesting
Goshawks are territorial nesters, returning to breed in the same forested areas year after year. Nests are large stick platforms lined with twigs and evergreen sprigs. Old nests are often reused and added to over successive years. Nests are typically built on a horizontal tree branch high up in a mature tree. Favored nest trees are often the tallest in a given territory with an unobstructed view of the surrounding forest.
Nesting Season
Breeding activity begins in late March or April as mature goshawks return to nesting areas and males begin displaying to attract females. Nest building and refurbishing takes place in April and May. The female lays between 2-4 eggs that incubate for about a month before hatching in May or June. Goshawk chicks will spend 6-7 weeks in the nest developing wing feathers large enough for flight. The young fledge in July but remain dependent on the adults for food for several more weeks. Most goshawks will migrate south out of Alaska by October.
Goshawk Parenting
Goshawk reproduction requires significant investment from both the male and female. The female alone incubates the eggs while the male provisions her with food. Once the eggs hatch, the female tears apart prey items into small pieces to feed the nestlings while the male continues to hunt and provide food. Nestlings grow rapidly and parents make countless hunting trips to satisfy their demand for calories. Despite their fierce reputation, parent goshawks are extremely dedicated to raising their young. However, only about 60% of goshawk nesting attempts are successful in fledging young each year.
Goshawk Population Status
Goshawk populations appear stable across most of Alaska. Their extensive boreal forest habitat remains largely intact. Clearing of forests for development threatens goshawk nesting habitat in some areas of Southeast Alaska. There is evidence of declining goshawk numbers and nest occupancy rates on the Kenai Peninsula associated with extensive logging in the past century. However, planned timber harvesting on the Kenai restricts cut blocks to limit impacts on goshawks.
| Region | Population Trend |
|---|---|
| Mainland Alaska | Stable |
| Southeast Alaska | Declining in some areas from habitat loss |
| Kenai Peninsula | Declined from past logging but stabilizing currently |
| Kodiak Archipelago | Stable |
| Aleutian Islands | Stable where habitat allows |
Threats
– Habitat loss from deforestation
– Human disturbance of nest sites
– Climate change altering boreal forest composition
– Competition with other raptors for prey and nesting sites
Conservation
– Protection of existing mature and old growth forest habitats from excessive logging
– Maintenance of buffer zones around known nesting territories
– Public education to reduce human disturbances to nests
– Monitoring and adaptive management of changing habitat due to climate change
Interesting Goshawk Facts
- Goshawks are the largest forest-dwelling raptor in Alaska.
- They have short broad wings adapted for maneuvering through dense woods.
- During courtship, male goshawks perform elaborate aerial displays.
- Goshawks aggressively defend nest sites sometimes even attacking bears.
- The oldest known wild goshawk was over 12 years old.
- Goshawk legs and feet are unfeathered which helps them efficiently pluck prey.
- Young goshawks resemble adult plumage after their first molt around 14 months.
- Goshawks migrate south out of Alaska each winter to avoid prey scarcity.
Conclusion
In summary, the northern goshawk is a key resident raptor species found across Alaska. Goshawks inhabit conifer and mixed forests pursuing ground-dwelling prey. They build large stick nests and demonstrate fierce devotion to raising young. Goshawk populations appear stable through most of Alaska but are declining locally in some areas of habitat loss. Maintaining intact forest ecosystems and protecting nest sites will be important conservation measures for ensuring goshawks remain a part of Alaska’s natural heritage. Goshawks serve as an indicator species of forest health and their presence enhances biodiversity throughout Alaska’s boreal habitats.
