Goshawk nesting habitat in Europe and North America: a review

Abstract

I review Goshawk Accipiter gentilis nesting habitats in Europe and North America. The aims of this review are to (1) summarise the knowledge on Goshawk nesting habitats, (2) identify habitat features common to the Nearctic and Palearctic, and (3) assess the need for further research describing Goshawk nest sites and propose future directions for research on its habitat needs. Goshawks generally select a tall tree that offers good support for the nest within a mature stand. The diameter at breast height of the nest tree was the only parameter significantly different in the nest tree vs. nest stand trees comparison among studies. The investigated Holarctic populations are similar in nesting habitat preference, and there seem to be no features that distinguish nesting habitat preferences in the Nearctic from those in the Palearctic. Further studies on Goshawk habitat use and preference may be justified only if they cover a wide range of levels, to better understand the factors guiding the nesting habitat selection of the species. The evidences of such a review can help to preserve the stands in which Goshawks reproduce. For example, the data provided by my work could be considered: (a) in the conservation or creation of the goshawk's nesting stands and (b) in the planning of buffer areas of old trees around the nest tree during logging.