The northern goshawk is a relative of Cooper’s hawk, but bigger, wilder, and fiercer in nature. They are secretive and usually live in large tracts of forests in America and Eurasia.
These birds have a thing for nests; Northern goshawk pairs build and maintain up to eight alternate nests within their nesting area. They may use the same nest year after year, or may switch to a new nest after a brood fails. They are fiercely vocal and defensive near their nests. No wonder, they are known to attack anybody who dares to come close to their nesting area.
Northern goshawks add fresh coniferous needles to the nest during the breeding season. Terpenes, the aromatic chemicals in the needles act as natural insecticides. The birds are stealthy predators; they watch the prey on high perches and then attack with quick, agile flight.
Picture Credit : Google