Adult female northern goshawks are larger than male goshawks. Individuals weigh 1-1/2 to nearly 3 pounds with bodies measuring 19-27 inches long and a wingspan of 40-47 inches.

These gray birds have a black crown with mottled white-and-gray bellies. A white line over each orange-red eye is quite distinctive, though difficult to see.

This raptor, or bird of prey, prefers to live in remote stands of dense forests.

The goshawk's rounded wings and long tail enable it to move gracefully through the forest.

It preys upon small mammals, ducks, grouse, quail, small hawks, owls, crows, woodpeckers, and even moths. Goshawks are capable of catching birds in mid-flight as well as on the ground.

Both members of the pair may build the nest, but the female is the one who takes charge of incubating the three to four eggs, raising the young, and defending the territory.