Goshawk & Sparrowhawk Identification
Mark Darlaston
As Goshawks are still persecuted despite full legal protection, it is regrettable that Devon Birds cannot advertise sites to watch them. However, there are places where Goshawk can be seen and we have provided some pointers about where to see them and how to identify them.
Goshawk & Sparrowhawk Identification and other matters
Immature Female Sparrowhawk - Mark Darlaston
In Devon Birds Journal 61 (1): 18-23, we ran article highlighting some of the pitfalls when separating Goshawk from Sparrowhawk. The above photograph shows a female Sparrowhawk photographed on the South Devon Coast during migration time. This bird looks particularly chunky and in a brief view could be mistaken for a Goshawk, as it appears deep chested, broad-hipped and even the head appears to protrude. However, it has some key features, which eliminate Goshawk, namely the coarse barring on the flight feathers and evenly proportioned hand to arm, fitting the wing ratio of Sparrowhawk. See the two photographs below of Goshawk for comparison. To reiterate the main differences the table from the Devon Birds Journal is reproduced below as an aid to observers.
Female Goshawk - Mark Darlaston
As Goshawks are still persecuted despite full legal protection, it is regrettable that Devon Birds cannot advertise sites to watch them, where there is no protection in place for the birds and/or landowner's permission has not been sought. However, observers wanting a good chance of seeing this elusive species in Devon can visit the Bird of Prey View Point at the Haldon Forest Park. In 2008 a webcam was actually installed on a nest by Forestry Commission (under licence), providing thrilling footage of an immature female and adult male successfully rearing three young - it is hoped the exercise can be repeated.
Immature Female Goshawk - Mark Darlaston
On the more negative side, in 2009 there was evidence that some young Goshawks may have been taken from the wild in Devon, and two breeding sites were lost due to disturbance. So please be careful not to broadcast the location of breeding sites if you happen to witness displaying birds. Please inform me, the Devon Rare Breeding Bird Recorder, so the location can be noted. I liaise with Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust and other commercial forestry operators as well the Police and the Rare Breeding Bird Panel. So this information is used for the benefit of the birds.
Table: Comparison and main differences between Goshawk and Sparrowhawk in terms of field identification.
Criteria |
Goshawk |
Sparrowhawk |
|
Size, reference |
Male slightly larger than Carrion Crow. Female approaching that of Common Buzzard, usually longer in overall length, but slightly less in wing-span. |
Female smaller than Carrion Crow. Male much smaller. |
|
Wing span, length |
Male: 93–105 cm, 49–56 cm |
Male: 58–65 cm, 29–34 cm |
Plumage |
|
|
|
Upperside |
Adult grey/brown above, males greyer (but not always). Generally become greyer with age. Juvenile browner. |
Adult female grey/brown above, generally greyer with age. Adult males slate-blue. Juvenile brown. |
|
Underside |
Adult, Generally paler than Sparrowhawk. Underwing fine barring on flight feathers, finer barring breast to undertail. Generally becoming paler with age. At distance soaring / displaying adults gleam white below, but beware of Sparrowhawk when well lit looking similar. |
Adult, underwing coarser barring on flight feathers, barring breast to undertail. Generally becoming paler with age. On males (and some females) barring is more rufous.
Juvenile, buff with brown barring breast to undertail. |
|
Head pattern |
At close range prominent white supercilium against dark grey cheek and crown, more marked in older birds and males, less distinct in young birds. |
At close range less prominent white supercilium, more marked in older females, but never as striking as Goshawk. |
Flight jizz |
|
|
|
Soaring and gliding profile |
Soaring, wings flat (or slightly arched), slightly raised when good lift. Gently arched when gliding, hand closed and pointed. |
Soaring, wings flat, or slightly raised when good lift. When gliding wings half-folded, becoming arched, hand closed and pointed. |
|
Flight |
Slower steadier wing beats, between glides, even slower in display. Can be fast when hunting. |
Faster more erratic wing beats, slower and steadier in display. |
|
Shape |
Head distinctly protruding (1/4–1/3 of wing width), ‘flying crucifix’. Longer neck and heavier bill. |
Head protrusion less distinct, ‘flying T’, but beware sometimes looks prominent. |
|
Wings |
Longer – arm broader than hand. ‘S- shaped’ curve to rear of wing, this secondary bulge is usually more pronounced in juveniles. Wing shape can look falcon like at times. |
Shorter more rounded - arm and hand more evenly proportioned, secondary bulge not usually pronounced. But will also show ‘S-shaped’ curve when gliding. |
|
Body |
Heavier (even more so in female), deeper breasted, broad hips, body appear longer and tail shorter cf. Sparrowhawk. |
Slighter cf. Goshawk. Deepest at upper breast, slimmer at hips. |
|
Tail |
Tail long but proportionally shorter and broader at base cf. Sparrowhawk, rounded corners (spread). Looks round ended when closed on gliding or displaying birds. |
Tail proportionally longer, more angular corners (spread). May look slightly rounded when closed (beware of moult), but never as pronounced as Goshawk. |