Sharp-shinned Hawk

The Sharp-shinned Hawk, Accipiter striatus, known colloquially as a "sharpie," is a diminutive raptor, with males being the smallest hawks in the United States and Canada. Despite their size, they are larger than some Neotropical species like the tiny hawk. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being significantly larger than males.

Identification Tips

Adult Sharp-shinned Hawks possess short, broad wings and a medium-length tail with variable notching at the tip. Their plumage features a dark cap and blue-grey upperparts, while the underparts are white with rufous or tawny bars. The thighs are typically rufous, and the cheeks may have a rufous tinge. The legs are long, slender, and yellow, complementing a black hooked bill with a yellowish cere. Juveniles display a brown head with whitish streaks and underparts streaked with brown or reddish.

Habitat

Sharp-shinned Hawks inhabit a variety of woodland and forest types, from coniferous to broad-leaved trees, particularly oaks. They are found in temperate boreal forests and migrate to warmer regions in the south during winter. Some populations are resident in temperate and tropical highlands, adapting to altitudes ranging from near sea-level to 4,000 meters.

Distribution

This species has a broad range across North America, Central America, South America, and the Greater Antilles. The nominate group breeds throughout the forested regions of the USA and Canada, migrating southward to Central America and the Greater Antilles for winter. Other groups, such as the white-breasted hawk, plain-breasted hawk, and rufous-thighed hawk, are found in highlands and tropical regions from Mexico to South America.

Behaviour

Sharp-shinned Hawks are adept hunters, often surprising their prey by flying swiftly through dense vegetation. They are known to navigate thickets with ease, although this hunting method can be perilous.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Sharp-shinned Hawk are not well-documented in this source.

Breeding

These hawks build stick nests in conifers or dense deciduous trees. Clutch sizes range from 3 to 8 eggs, with 4 to 5 being typical. The eggs are heavily marked with colorful patterns. Incubation lasts about 30 days, and the young fledge at approximately one month of age, relying on their parents for an additional four weeks.

Similar Species

The Sharp-shinned Hawk can be confused with the Cooper's Hawk, but can be distinguished by its smaller size and head shape, as well as tail and wing proportions.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Sharp-shinned Hawk primarily consists of small birds, such as sparrows, wood-warblers, and finches. They may also consume rodents, lizards, frogs, snakes, and large insects. These hawks are known to exploit backyard bird feeders to prey on congregating birds.

Conservation status

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is currently listed as Least Concern. However, the subspecies endemic to Puerto Rico, A. s. venator, is endangered. Other subspecies in the Greater Antilles are uncommon and potentially declining. The Andean and South American taxa are considered fairly common and safe, although their secretive nature makes them easily overlooked.