Northern goshawk: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Northern goshawk eggs hatch after 35–38 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 35–42 days and are weaned and independent at about 80–90 days. A typical clutch is 2–4 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 517-2200 |
| Male weight (g) | 517-1170 |
| Female weight (g) | 820-2200 |
| Length (cm) | 46-69 |
| Wing chord (mm) | m 290-335, f 335-385 |
| Clutch size | 2-4 (3-4) |
| Incubation (days) | 35-38 |
| Fledging (days) | 35-42 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | ~80-90 |
| Lifespan (years) | 12-20 |
| Breeding season | Wild: April-May. Captive: difficult - aggressive to mate, pens with sliding separation, AI from imprints. |
| Sexing | Female much larger (often 1.5x); DNA for chicks. |
| Moult | Moult April-Sept. |
| Quarry | Rabbits, hare, pheasant, partridge, ducks; short fast flights from the fist. |
| Gulf heat tolerance | 2/5 - northern forest bird, poor in Gulf summer. |
| Temperament | Highly strung, nervous, possessive; needs experienced falconer. |
| Disease prevention | Prevention: aspergillosis (stress, poor ventilation; accipiters very prone), bumblefoot, frounce (pigeon feeding), lead (shot quarry), coccidiosis in young birds. Vet for treatment. Goshawks are very prone to aspergillosis and stress. |
| Identification features | Grey back, white supercilium, finely barred grey underparts, orange-red eye in adult (yellow in juvenile), short rounded wings, long barred tail; juvenile brown with teardrop streaks. |
Origin: Europe, Asia and North America — Scientific name: Astur gentilis (Accipiter gentilis)
Size: 46-69 cm, 517-2200 g
Breeding and care tips
The classic 'baz' of Iraq, the Levant and Persia; explosive over short distances. Nervous, needs an expert, and does poorly in Gulf heat.
Description
Finely barred grey breast, bold white eyebrow, orange-red eye in adults.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Gyrfalcon
- Saker falcon
- Peregrine falcon
- Barbary falcon
- Lanner falcon
- Laggar lugger falcon
- Prairie falcon
- Aplomado falcon
Frequently asked questions
How long do Northern goshawk eggs take to hatch?
Northern goshawk eggs hatch after 35-38 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Northern goshawk lay?
Usually 2-4 (3-4) eggs per clutch.
When do Northern goshawk chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 35-42 days old.
When are Northern goshawk chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about ~80-90 days.
What is the Northern goshawk breeding season?
Wild: April-May. Captive: difficult - aggressive to mate, pens with sliding separation, AI from imprints.
How do you tell a male Northern goshawk from a female?
Female much larger (often 1.5x); DNA for chicks.
How long does a Northern goshawk live?
About 12-20 years with good care.