Northern Goshawk (Baaj): Punjab’s State Bird Explained
Why in the news
Ahead of Punjab’s assembly elections, rival leaders said they had seen the bird and read its appearance as a sign of divine blessing and protection, bringing the state bird back into political talk.
Key facts
- Northern Goshawk (Baaj) is the state bird of Punjab.
- A medium-to-large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
- Older scientific name Accipiter gentilis; the Eurasian goshawk is now placed as Astur gentilis.
- Called a “true hawk”, prized in falconry for its speed and agility.
- IUCN status: Least Concern (LC).
Habitat and range
- Prefers mature temperate and boreal forests, both mixed deciduous and coniferous.
- Found across Eurasia and North America.
- Its range is huge: Scandinavia, northern Russia and the Mediterranean on one side, the Himalayas, eastern China and Canada on the other.
Exam angle
- State bird of Punjab: Northern Goshawk (Baaj).
- Family: Accipitridae; new genus name: Astur.
- Conservation tag: Least Concern.