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.
Bluish Gray
Bluish Gray
Brown
White, Slate, Red
White, Slate, Red
White, Red
Bluish Gray
Bluish Gray
Brown
Hooked
Black
Black
Black
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Striped breast and belly, square-ended tail
Larger size, with same markings as male
Vertical streaks on chest and belly
Square-ended, with narrow white band at tip
Square-ended, with narrow white band at tip
Square-ended, with narrow white band at tip
24cm to 34cm
Length
42cm to 68cm
Wingspan
87g to 218g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk with first winter plumage
Sharp-shinned Hawk in-flight
Sharp-shinned Hawk during winter
Portrait of a Sharp-shinned Hawk
High-pitched, repeated 'keek'
Rapid, high-pitched calls, often in flight
Sharp, high-pitched shriek
Active during the day, primarily in the morning and late afternoon
Solitary, except during breeding season
Defends feeding and nesting territories
Migrates to lower elevations or latitudes in winter
Usually avoids interaction with other birds
Small birds, Rodents, Insects
Catches prey in flight or on the ground
Most active in the early morning and late afternoon
Stealth and surprise
May take larger prey during breeding season
None known
In trees, often reusing old nests
Stick nest lined with bark and leaves
Spring
One
White with brown spots
Approximately 3.5cm x 4.5cm
3-5 eggs
About 30 days
4-5 weeks
Both parents feed chicks, with females incubating and male feeding the female
Throughout North and South America
Forests and woodland edges
Sea level to high mountains
Migrates to lower elevations or latitudes in winter
Forest, Woodland
Temperate, Tropical
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.
Resident or Present
Non-breeding
Passage
3
13
3 year(s)
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Monogamous, often returning to same nesting site
Adult plumage acquired in first year
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, collisions with windows
Habitat protection, public education about window collisions
Slow decline in population due to habitat loss
Other names:
Sharpie, Little Blue Darter
Family:
AccipitridaePopulation size:
1,000,000
Population trend:
Decreasing
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
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