Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small, agile raptor with short, rounded wings and a long, square-tipped tail. Adults display blue-gray upperparts, with rufous-barred white underparts. The head is dark, often appearing hooded.
Males are notably smaller than females, a characteristic known as reverse sexual dimorphism. Juveniles have brown upperparts and streaked underparts, gradually molting into adult plumage over their first year.
Size
Length
24cm to 34cm
Wingspan
53cm to 69cm
Weight
82g to 219g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Sharp-shinned Hawks inhabit a wide range of forested areas across North and Central America. They prefer dense, mixed woodlands but can also be found in suburban areas with sufficient tree cover.
In the United States and Canada, they are widespread during the breeding season. Southern populations are often year-round residents, while northern birds migrate south for winter, reaching as far as Central America.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,700 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Sharp-shinned Hawk. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is renowned for its exceptional agility. Its ability to navigate swiftly through dense forests, perform rapid aerial manoeuvres, and catch birds in mid-air demonstrates remarkable nimbleness and precision.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not the strongest raptor, the Sharp-shinned Hawk possesses sufficient strength to capture and carry prey up to the size of robins. Its strength is proportional to its small size, allowing it to be an effective predator of small birds.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows high adaptability, thriving in various habitats from sea level to 3,700 metres elevation. Its ability to hunt in dense forests and adapt to suburban environments with adequate tree cover indicates strong environmental flexibility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Sharp-shinned Hawks display considerable aggression in their hunting behaviour, employing surprise attacks and pursuing prey through vegetation. Their willingness to hunt near bird feeders and their territorial defence during breeding season further demonstrate their aggressive nature.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
These hawks exhibit good endurance, particularly during migration when they form loose flocks and utilise thermals for long-distance travel. Their ability to maintain the energy-intensive 'flap-flap-glide' flight pattern also suggests solid stamina, though not exceptional compared to some long-distance migrants.
Diet
Sharp-shinned Hawks primarily prey on small birds, particularly songbirds up to the size of robins. They occasionally supplement their diet with small mammals, insects, and lizards.
These hawks are skilled hunters, often ambushing their prey in mid-air or pursuing them through dense vegetation.
Behaviour
Sharp-shinned Hawks are known for their swift, agile flight through dense forests. They often employ a 'flap-flap-glide' pattern when crossing open areas.
These hawks are solitary hunters, using surprise attacks to catch small birds. During migration, they may form loose flocks, taking advantage of thermals for long-distance travel.
Vocalisation
Sharp-shinned Hawks are generally quiet outside the breeding season. During nesting, they produce a high-pitched, rapid 'kik-kik-kik' call, often in response to intruders.
Males may also emit a softer 'whew' sound during courtship. Their vocalizations are less frequent and less varied compared to many other hawk species.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Sharp-shinned Hawks typically begins in late spring. Males perform aerial displays to attract females, including wide circles and steep dives.
Nests are usually built in dense conifers, 20-60 feet above ground. The female lays 4-5 pale blue or white eggs with brown spots. Both parents contribute to nest construction, using twigs and bark strips.
Incubation lasts about 30-32 days, primarily done by the female. Nestlings fledge after 21-28 days but remain dependent on parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Sharp-shinned Hawks face threats from habitat loss and pesticide use. Their populations have shown some recovery since the ban of DDT.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting forest habitats and monitoring migration patterns to assess population trends.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them near bird feeders, where they hunt small songbirds
- Observe their distinctive rapid wingbeats followed by short glides
- In flight, note their small size and square-tipped tail
- During migration, watch for them at hawk watch sites
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Adult Sharp-shinned Hawks have few natural predators, but larger raptors such as Northern Goshawks and Great Horned Owls may prey on them. Eggs and nestlings are vulnerable to raccoons, crows, and other tree-climbing predators.
Did You Know?
- Sharp-shinned Hawks can catch birds in mid-air, demonstrating remarkable agility.
- They are the smallest hawk species in North America.
- These hawks play a role in controlling songbird populations in their ecosystems.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Accipiter striatus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22734130A155416546.
View source - 3
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
- 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
website: Longevity Records Of North American Birds. Version 2023.1
View source
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.