The goshawk has relatively short, broad wings and a long tail, typical for Accipiter species and common to raptors that require maneuverability within forest habitats. For an Accipiter, it has a relatively sizeable bill, relatively long wings, a relatively short tail, robust and fairly short legs and particularly thick toes. Across most of the species' range, it is blue-grey above or brownish-grey with dark barring or streaking over a grey or white base color below.

Male goshawks are 46 to 61 cm long and have a 89 to 105 cm wingspan. The female is much larger, 58 to 69 cm long with a 108 to 127 cm wingspan. The most important prey species are small to medium-sized mammals and medium to large-sized birds found in forest, edge and scrub habitats.

Goshawks normally only vocalize during courtship or the nesting season. The goshawk is always found solitarily or in pairs. This species is highly territorial as are most raptorial birds, maintaining regularly spaced home ranges that constitute their territory. Goshawks typically hunt within the largest patches of mature forests.