Source: Indian Express
Context The Northern Goshawk (Baaj), Punjab’s state bird, has re-entered the political spotlight ahead of state assembly elections, after rival leaders claimed sightings of the bird and interpreted them as symbols of divine protection and blessing.
What It Is
- A medium-to-large raptor of the family Accipitridae
- Historically classified as Accipiter gentilis; recently reclassified as Astur gentilis for the Eurasian goshawk
- Known as a “true hawk”, celebrated for its speed, manoeuvrability and prowess in falconry
Habitat and Distribution
- Inhabits mature temperate and boreal woodlands — mixed deciduous and coniferous forests
- Widely distributed across Eurasia and North America
- Ranging from Scandinavia, northern Russia and the Mediterranean to the Himalayas, eastern China and Canada
- IUCN status: Least Concern (LC)
