Topography of retinal ganglion cells of a Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Abstract

The retina of a Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis was investigated in a whole-mount preparation using Nissl's staining method. The total number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) was 4,427.2×10³. The visual streak extended horizontally across the retina with an RGC density of 10.3–22.8×10³ cells/mm². This area included two foveal areas in central and temporal locations with densities of 22.8×10³ and 22.7×10³ cells/mm², respectively. The localization of RGCs larger than 10 μm in diameter was observed in the periphery of the dorsal, nasal, and temporal retina. These results may reflect adaptation of the goshawk's eye to its ecological environment and behavior.