Birdsong field guide
American Goshawk
Astur atricapillus
The American Goshawk is a powerful, large-bodied forest raptor known for its stealthy hunting and aggressive nest defense. It is the largest accipiter in North America, characterized by its slate-gray upperparts and a striking white stripe over the eye.
What it sounds like
A loud, harsh, and rapid series of 'kak-kak-kak' notes, typically used as an alarm or territorial warning.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- Possesses a prominent white supercilium, or 'eyebrow,' which contrasts sharply against its dark cap.
- Known for extreme territoriality, it will frequently dive at and strike humans or predators that approach its nest.
- Short, broad wings and a long tail allow for exceptional high-speed maneuverability through dense forest canopies.
- Recently split taxonomically from the Eurasian Northern Goshawk and placed in the genus Astur.
- Capable of taking diverse prey, including birds as large as crows and mammals as large as snowshoe hares.
Habitat
Mature coniferous and deciduous forests with dense canopy cover and open understories.
Range
Northern North America, including Alaska, Canada, and mountainous regions of the western and northeastern United States.
Similar & commonly confused birds
Heard a American Goshawk?
Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.
Identify a bird by its song