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American Goshawk Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    American Goshawks are large hawks and the largest and bulkiest of the accipiters. They have broad, rounded wings and long tails. Relatively long secondary flight feathers give the trailing edge of the wing a curved or bulging look; the wingtips can look pointed in flight. Females are larger than males.

    Relative Size

    Females can be nearly as large as a Red-tailed Hawk; males are only slightly larger than a female Cooper’s Hawk.

    Relative Sizebetween crow and goosebetween crow and goose

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 20.9-25.2 in (53-64 cm)
      • Weight: 22.3-48.1 oz (631-1364 g)
      • Wingspan: 40.5-46.1 in (103-117 cm)