Northern Goshawk – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Photo Credit: Norbert Kenntner, Wikimediacommons

Overview

Species Common Name Northern Goshawk
Species Scientific Name Accipiter gentilis atricapillus
Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

East Cascades

The East Cascade ecoregion extends from the Cascade Mountains’ summit east to the warmer, drier high desert and down the length of the state. This ecoregion varies dramatically from its cool, moist border with the West Cascades ecoregion to its dry eastern border, where it meets sagebrush desert landscapes.

West Cascades

The West Cascades ecoregion extends from east of the Cascade Mountains summit to the foothills of the Willamette, Umpqua, and Rogue Valleys, and spans the entire length of the state of Oregon. It is largely dominated by conifer forests, moving into alpine parklands and dwarf shrubs at higher elevations.

Special needs

Northern Goshawks are typically found in large, forested areas with a mosaic of tree stages, forest openings, and habitat components (e.g., snags, downed logs). They prefer an open forest floor for access to ground-dwelling prey.

Limiting factors

Northern Goshawks have large area requirements and are adversely affected by reductions in late-successional forest.

Data gaps

Estimate population densities.

Conservation actions

Maintain late-successional forest habitat. Maintain natural forest openings through prescribed fire, thinning, and hand-removal of encroaching conifers.

Key reference or plan

Northern Goshawk Inventory and Monitoring Technical Guide