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			British Columbia Outdoor Wilderness Guide             
                 
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                        Northern Goshawk
 Accipiter gentilis
 
                       
   
                        Description - This robust bird has a long narrow 
                        tail, short rounded wings and a bold white eyebrow. The 
                        adult is blue-grey above with a black crown with pale 
                        underparts finely barred with grey. Young birds are brown 
                        above and streaked below. Usually silent, the Goshawk 
                        lets out a loud "kak-kak-kak-kak" when disturbed.  
                         
                        Distribution - The Northern Goshawk breeds in coniferous 
                        forests throughout Canada, wintering in farmlands, woodland 
                        edges and open country, south of its breeding grounds. 
                         
                         
                        Biology - This species feeds chiefly on birds and 
                        some small mammals. The nest is a large mass of sticks 
                        lined with fresh sprigs of evergreen where 3 or 4 white 
                        or pale blue eggs are laid. The Goshawk is fearless in 
                        defence of it's nest and will boldly attack anyone who 
                        ventures too close.  
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