American Goshawk, laingi subspecies

A member of the family Accipitridae (often referred to as “forest hawks), the American Goshawk is the largest accipiter species found in British Columbia; the coastal subspecies A. g. laingi, —also known as stads k’un by the Haida— can be found along the coast from Washington to Alaska. These birds have adapted to nest and forage in mature second growth and old growth forests, and are characterized by their short, rounded wings and long tails, which provide a high degree of maneuverability in dense habitat. American Goshawks are non-migratory and require large home ranges to survive. Among the most imminent threats to their populations are habitat loss and fragmentation due to forest harvest and road development.