The Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), is a species of medium-large bird of prey in the Accipitridae family. As a species in the Accipiter genus, the goshawk is often considered a true "hawk". It is a widespread species that inhabits the temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It is the only species in the Accipiter genus found in both Eurasia and North America. With the exception of Asia, it is the only species of "goshawk" in its range and it is thus often referred to, both officially and unofficially, as simply the "goshawk". It is mainly resident, but birds from colder regions migrate south for the winter. In North America, migratory goshawks are often seen migrating south along mountain ridge tops in September and October.