Sharp-shinned Hawk

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

Least Concern

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small, agile bird of prey that inhabits the forests and woodlands across North and South America. With its striking blue-gray plumage and lightning-fast flight, this hawk is a master at stealth and surprise, often catching its prey unawares. Despite its diminutive size, the Sharp-shinned Hawk is a fierce and determined hunter, making it a captivating sight in its natural habitat.

Appearance and Identification

Primary Color

Bluish Gray

Primary Color (female)

Bluish Gray

Primary Color (juvenile)

Brown

Secondary Colors

White, Slate, Red

Secondary Colors (female)

White, Slate, Red

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

White, Red

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Bluish Gray

Wing Color (female)

Bluish Gray

Wing Color (juvenile)

Brown

Beak Type

Hooked

Beak Color

Black

Beak Color (female)

Black

Beak Color (juvenile)

Black

Leg Color

Yellow

Leg Color (female)

Yellow

Leg Color (juvenile)

Yellow

Distinctive Markings

Striped breast and belly, square-ended tail

Distinctive Markings (female)

Larger size, with same markings as male

Distinctive Markings (juvenile)

Vertical streaks on chest and belly

Tail Description

Square-ended, with narrow white band at tip

Tail Description (female)

Square-ended, with narrow white band at tip

Tail Description (juvenile)

Square-ended, with narrow white band at tip

Size Metrics

24cm to 34cm

Length

42cm to 68cm

Wingspan

87g to 218g

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

High-pitched, repeated 'keek'

Call Description

Rapid, high-pitched calls, often in flight

Alarm Calls

Sharp, high-pitched shriek

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active during the day, primarily in the morning and late afternoon

Social Habits

Solitary, except during breeding season

Territorial Behavior

Defends feeding and nesting territories

Migratory Patterns

Migrates to lower elevations or latitudes in winter

Interaction with Other Species

Usually avoids interaction with other birds

Diet

Primary Diet

Small birds, Rodents, Insects

Feeding Habits

Catches prey in flight or on the ground

Feeding Times

Most active in the early morning and late afternoon

Prey Capture Method

Stealth and surprise

Diet Variations

May take larger prey during breeding season

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

None known

Nesting

Nesting Location

In trees, often reusing old nests

Nest Construction

Stick nest lined with bark and leaves

Breeding Season

Spring

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

One

Egg Appearance

White with brown spots

Egg Size

Approximately 3.5cm x 4.5cm

Clutch Characteristics

3-5 eggs

Incubation Period

About 30 days

Fledgling Period

4-5 weeks

Parental Care

Both parents feed chicks, with females incubating and male feeding the female

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Throughout North and South America

Habitat Description

Forests and woodland edges

Elevation Range

Sea level to high mountains

Migration Patterns

Migrates to lower elevations or latitudes in winter

Biome

Forest, Woodland

Climate zones

Temperate, Tropical

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.

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