Around

Presentation

The Around northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is a medium to large diurnal raptor, renowned for its fast and agile flight in forest environments. It is distinguished by its finely barred chest and its orange to red eyes in adults. This discreet predator mainly hunts birds and small mammals which it surprises in grazing flight. Present in the forests of the northern hemisphere, it also occupies certain wooded regions of North Africa, including Tunisia. Long used in falconry, it remains a symbol of temperate and Mediterranean forests.

The Around woodpigeon shows marked sexual dimorphism, with the female being significantly larger than the male. Its gray-brown plumage above and barred with gray on a white background below offers it effective camouflage in the undergrowth. Its broad, rounded wings and long tail give it great maneuverability in flight between trees. The powerful claws and hooked bill are adapted to capturing and killing prey of varying size.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The Around prefers mature, dense and mixed forests, offering both cover and hunting space. It also frequents wooded mountain areas and certain Mediterranean forests in North Africa. In winter, some individuals may move closer to more open areas such as meadows bordering woods. The presence of large trees for nesting is essential for its establishment.

Behaviour

This raptor is discreet and solitary outside the breeding season, leading a marked territorial life. It hunts from a perch before suddenly swooping down on its prey. Very shy, it generally avoids areas frequented by humans. The pair vigorously defends its nesting territory against intruders, including humans approaching the nest.

Reproduction

The female usually lays two to four eggs in a large nest built high in a tree. Incubation lasts approximately 35 to 38 days and is carried out mainly by the female. The young leave the nest after six to seven weeks but remain dependent on the parents for several more weeks. Sexual maturity is reached around two to three years of age.

Peculiarities

The Around woodpigeon has long been the emblematic raptor of medieval European falconry, used for hunting game. Its scientific name Accipiter gentilis refers to its noble status in this tradition. The North African subspecies shows notable morphological differences compared to European populations. Its ability to maneuver at high speed between branches makes it a formidable hunter in dense forest environments.

Threats and conservation

The main threat to Around is the destruction and fragmentation of its forest habitat. It is also subject to direct persecution pressure by certain poultry or feathered game breeders. The more restricted North African subspecies is particularly vulnerable to local deforestation. In Tunisia, it benefits from protected species status due to its rarity and its threatened habitat.

References

Profile updated 17 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Least concern (LC)

IUCN source, latest published assessment.

Documented diseases for this species.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for a veterinary consultation. If you have any concerns about your animal's health, consult a veterinarian.

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