American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

'Goshawk' is Old English for 'goose hawk.' Its scientific name, atricapillus, means 'black-haired,' for its dark cap, the same name the Black-capped Chickadee carries. Until 2023 it was the Northern Goshawk.

Astur is Latin for 'hawk.' Atricapillus joins ater, 'black,' and capillus, 'hair.' 'Goshawk' comes from the Old English gōs, 'goose,' and hafoc, 'hawk.' In 2023 American birds were split from those in Europe and Asia.