Goshawks: Loyalty and Change in the Arizona Skies

In the vast skies of Arizona, American goshawks show remarkable loyalty. Over two decades, a study tracked these birds of prey. It found that most goshawks stay in the same area and with the same partner for life. Ninety-five percent of male goshawks and 92% of females stick to their territory. An even higher percentage, 97%, stay with the same mate throughout their lives. When a goshawk loses its mate, it's a big deal. The study found that this event greatly increases the chance of the bird moving to a new territory. However, even after losing a mate, 80% of goshawks choose to stay in their familiar territory. They wait for a new partner or search nearby areas for one. This strategy helps them keep their known territory while finding a new mate. The study used advanced methods to predict when a goshawk might move to a new territory. It looked at factors like the number of eggs laid, whether the nest failed or succeeded, and if the mate was lost. The loss of a mate was the strongest factor in predicting a move. Yet, even when goshawks do move, they don't usually go far. Most males and 86% of females that moved stayed within a short distance, crossing no more than two territories. Goshawks don't seem to move to better territories. The study found no clear evidence that birds moved to areas with more successful breeding histories. In fact, reproduction didn't improve after a move. This suggests that goshawks aren't making calculated decisions based on territory quality. Instead, they might be influenced by chance encounters with new mates. The study also looked at how goshawks search for new mates. It seems they use a home-based strategy. They stay in their territory and check nearby areas for unpaired mates. This approach helps them keep their familiar territory while finding a new partner. However, this method can lead to random choices about where to settle, as it depends on lucky encounters with available mates. The findings raise interesting questions about animal behavior. Why do goshawks stay loyal to their territory and mate? What drives them to move when they do? Understanding these patterns can give insights into how animals make decisions about their lives. It also highlights the complex balance between loyalty and change in the natural world.