Identifying a juvenile northern Goshawk can be tricky since they look quite different from the adult birds. However, with some key identification tips, you can learn to recognize these unique raptors. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about identifying juvenile northern Goshawks, from their size and shape to their plumage patterns and vocalizations.
What is a juvenile northern Goshawk?
A juvenile northern Goshawk refers to a young bird that is under 1 year old and has not yet reached full adult plumage. Northern Goshawks are large, fierce accipiter hawks found throughout the northern parts of North America, Eurasia, and North Africa. They inhabit mature conifer and mixed wood forests year-round.
Northern Goshawk juveniles hatch in late spring or early summer and remain dependent on their parents for food and protection while they learn to hunt and fly skillfully. By late summer, the young birds have grown nearly full size but still sport a distinctive juvenile plumage that sets them apart from the boldly patterned black and white adults.
Distinctive juvenile plumage
The plumage of a juvenile northern Goshawk can help distinguish it from the adult, but it also shares similarities that indicate it is a Goshawk. Here are some key plumage features to look for:
Pale underparts
Juvenile Goshawks have pale cream or buff-colored underparts without streaking. Their breasts and bellies lack the crisp, dark grey barring shown by adult birds.
White supercilium
A prominent white eyebrow or “supercilium” is present above the eye. This contrasts with the dark cap on the head.
Rufous barring on nape
The nape (back of the neck) features horizontal rufous or reddish-brown barring. This is a good way to distinguish juveniles from other accipiters.
Dark brown back
The back and wings are mostly dark brownish-black, lacking the fine grey barring of an adult. The greater wing coverts may show some paler tips.
White-tipped tail
Juveniles have a narrow white tip to the tail. The rest is grey-brown with darker barring.
Yellow eyes
Juvenile Goshawks have yellow irises that gradually change to orange-red as they age. Adults have bright orange-red eyes.
Yellow cere and feet
The cere (fleshy area above the beak) and feet are yellowish. Older juveniles may show some orange starting to come in.
Differences from adult plumage
To further confirm a sighting as a juvenile, it helps to understand how its plumage differs from an adult northern Goshawk:
- Lacks the bold black and white patterning of adult
- Underparts are cream-colored rather than barred grey
- Dark cap contrasts with white supercilium
- Nape has rufous barring
- Back and wings plain dark brown
- Tail has narrow white tip
Similar species
Some other raptor species may appear superficially similar to a juvenile Goshawk. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Cooper’s Hawk
– Smaller with a more slender, elongated profile
– Dark cap less distinct
– Orange eyes (even when juvenile)
Northern Harrier
– Long, owl-like facial disk
– Tail extends beyond wingtips in flight
– Hovers frequently
Red-tailed Hawk
– Larger with broader, rounded wings
– Belly may show some streaking
– Reddish tail obvious in flight
Red-shouldered Hawk
– Smaller with translucent crescents in wings
– Reddish barring on underparts
– Reddish panel on upper wing visible in flight
Behavior and habits
Behavior and habits can also aid in identifying a juvenile Goshawk:
- Powerful and direct flight on rapidly beating wings.
- Long, swooping glides when hunting.
- Often perches upright and alert.
- Calls include a loud, wailing “klee-uk klee-uk.”
- May pursue prey on foot through dense woods.
- Adults feed young by tearing prey into small pieces.
When and where to spot them
Here are some tips on when and where to observe juvenile northern Goshawks:
Time of year
Late summer and early fall are the best times to see juveniles, after they’ve fledged but before migrating south.
Habitat
Look for them perched or flying over and through mature coniferous or mixed forests.
Behavior
Scan treetops for a steady, upright perch. Watch for direct chase flights low through the woods.
Food sources
Check forest openings, logging roads, and meadow edges where adults hunt and feed young.
Conclusion
Identifying a juvenile northern Goshawk requires paying close attention to key plumage features like the white supercilium, rufous-barred nape, and pale underparts. Understanding its habits, vocalizations, flight style, and preferred forest habitat will also help distinguish it from other raptors. With practice, birders can recognize the unique characteristics of these young accipiters.