Sharp-shinned Hawk

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.

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.

• 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

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.

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.

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.

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.