Habitat characteristics of Cooper's hawks and northern goshawks nesting in New Mexico

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Nest trees and nest sites of northern goshawks (n =11) and Cooper's hawks (n =12) in New Mexico were characterized. Nest tree parameters that differed between the two species were tree species, nest exposure and distance to permanent water. Cooper's hawks used a greater variety of tree species for nest trees and located their nests closer to a permanent water source than did the northern goshawk. Cooper's hawks exhibited a preference for northern and eastern nest exposures, while the northern goshawk exhibited no preference for nest exposure. Nest site characteristics varied widely. With the exception of the sapling size class, tree densities were similar at sites of both species. Basal area, average dbh and snag densities were not significantly different between the sites of the two species. Cooper's hawks showed a preference for sites with eastern aspects, and the northern goshawk showed no aspect preference. Slope gradient of nest sites for both species ranged from 5% to 60%. The results of this study are compared with similar studies in the western United States. Management recommendations are presented for southwestern nest sites of both species.

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Reference Code: A88KEN01IDUS

Kennedy, P. L. 1988. Habitat characteristics of Cooper's Hawks and Northern Goshawks nesting in New Mexico. Pages 218-227 in R. L. Glinski, B. A. Pendleton, M. B. Moss, M. N. LeFranc, Jr., B. A. Millsap and S. W. Hoffman, editors, Proceedings of the Southwest Raptor Management Symposium and Workshop. Scientific and Technical Series No. 11. National Wildlife Federation, Washington, D.C

Location: ANIMAL EF: ACCIPITER GENTILIS