Who would win a northern goshawk or great horned owl?

In a battle between a Northern Goshawk and a Great Horned Owl, the Great Horned Owl is likely to win. While both birds are powerful predators, the Great Horned Owl has several advantages over the Goshawk.

The Great Horned Owl is larger than the Northern Goshawk, with a wingspan of up to 5 feet compared to the Goshawk's wingspan of 3-4 feet. The Great Horned Owl also has longer and stronger talons, which it can use to inflict more serious injuries on its opponent.

In addition to its size advantage, the Great Horned Owl is also a stealthier hunter than the Northern Goshawk. The Owl's feathers are designed to make it nearly silent in flight, allowing it to surprise its prey. The Goshawk, on the other hand, is a much louder bird, and its calls can often be heard from a long distance away.

Finally, the Great Horned Owl has a more varied diet than the Northern Goshawk. While the Goshawk primarily hunts small mammals and birds, the Great Horned Owl will eat a wide variety of animals, including fish, reptiles, and even other owls. This allows the Owl to be more adaptable to different environments and food sources.

Despite the Great Horned Owl's advantages, it is important to note that the Northern Goshawk is not defenseless. The Goshawk is a fierce and determined predator, and it will often fight to the death when confronted by an opponent. In some cases, the Goshawk may even be able to defeat a Great Horned Owl, if it is able to catch the Owl by surprise.