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The Sharp-Shinned Hawk is fast flying, with a long, narrow, square-tipped tail and short rounded wings. Adults are slate-gray above, and pale below, with small rust-coloured barring. Juvenile birds are brown with white spots, creamy white below, and streaks on the breast. Females are much larger than males.
The Sharp-Shinned Hawk feeds mainly on other birds. This stealthy hawk hunts with surprise and speed, catching prey in sudden attacks. It uses its razor-sharp talons to grab hold of a victim before it has time to react. Its rounded wings and narrow tail help it to make sharp turns, enabling quick pursuit through wooded areas. The great size difference between males and females allow a pair to catch a greater number of birds, each concentrating on different sizes. This aids in the supply of food to both themselves, and their young.
As there are more birds living in coniferous forests, this is the most common habitat for the Sharp-Shinned Hawk. They create nests in the form of platforms made of twigs, concealing them in a dense conifer, and laying 4 to 5 whitish eggs, each marked with brown. Sounds made by the Sharp-Shinned Hawk include a sharp kik-kik-kik-kik, as well as a shrill squeal.
The Sharp-Shinned Hawk migrates south for the winter, leaving when their prey have also moved south.
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SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
Accipiter striatus
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