GOSHAWK, i.e., goose-hawk (Accipiter gentilis), the largest short-winged hawk used in falconry. The genus Accipiter may be distinguished from Falco by the smooth edges of its beak, its short wings, and its long legs and toes. In plumage the goshawk has a general resemblance to the peregrine falcon, and it undergoes a corresponding change as it develops—the young being longitudi nally streaked beneath, while the adults are transversely barred. The irides, however, are always yellow, or in old birds orange, while those of the falcons are dark brown. The sexes differ greatly in size. The goshawk, nowadays rare in England, was once com mon. In many parts of Europe it still abounds. It ranges eastward to China and thence to North America. It feeds on small mam mals, especially squirrels, and birds of all kinds, including game birds and domestic pigeons and poultry.