Common name: Eurasian Goshawk
Scientific name: Accipiter gentilis
Family: Accipitridae

Size:
Body length: 46–62 cm
Wingspan: 89–122 cm
Weight: 600–1300 g (males), 900–2000 g (females)

Identification:
A powerful, medium-to-large raptor with broad wings and a long tail. Adults have slate-grey upperparts, pale underparts with fine horizontal barring, and a bold white eyebrow (supercilium) above striking orange to red eyes. Juveniles are brown above with streaked underparts and yellow eyes. In flight, it shows strong wingbeats and agile maneuvering through woodland.

Habitat:
Dense forests, woodland edges, mountainous regions, and occasionally agricultural areas with tree cover. Prefers mature woodland with good canopy structure.

Status in Lebanon:
Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Mostly recorded in forested and mountainous areas during migration seasons.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds on birds (main prey), small mammals, and occasionally reptiles. A highly skilled predator capable of capturing prey in flight or on the ground.

Behavior:
Solitary and territorial. Hunts using stealth and speed, often ambushing prey from cover. Known for its agility in navigating dense forest. Breeds in large tree nests in its core range but does not regularly breed in Lebanon.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)