GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

Species Code: ACGE

This is an "at risk" species

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Map with Breeding Bird Atlas records

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is uncommon in mature coniferous forests throughout the state. They are most common along the eastern Cascades, but can be found in most mid- to high-elevation mature forests. In western Washington they are not found below the Western Hemlock zone or in any lowland areas. In eastern Washington they are found above the steppe zones and more common above the Ponderosa Pine zone. Least common in the Olympic Mountains, but can be found throughout higher portions of this mountain range. In northeastern Washington they are not found in the lower river valleys or in open, lower elevation pine forests over much of that region.

Core areas of use included all forest above Ponderosa Pine and within its range limits, which excludes low, flat areas and some mountainous areas on the west slopes of the Cascades. The Ponderosa Pine zone was the peripheral area of use. On the west side, where seral stage can be somewhat reliably determined from satellite imagery, only mid- and late-seral conifer forests were good habitats. On the east side, where seral stage is difficult to determine, all conifer forests were good, except those explicitly labeled early seral; open forest in the Ponderosa Pine zone was also excluded.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester