American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus (Wilson, A, 1812)

American Goshawk, Astur atricapillus, breeds across North America and into north-west Mexico. It is a bird of prey in the Accipitridae family, and was first described by Alexander Wilson in 1812. Once treated as the same species as the Eurasian goshawk, it was recognised as separate in 2023 on the basis of differences in form, voice and genetics. It was formerly placed in Accipiter. The species is mostly resident, though birds from colder areas move south in winter, and in North America these migrants are often seen along mountain ridges in autumn.

Order

Accipitriformes

Family

Accipitridae — Kites, Hawks, Eagles

Breeding range

North America, Middle America: North America to nw Mexico