Sharp-shinned Hawk

The Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) Read in Spanish

Appearance: The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small raptor with short, rounded wings and a long tail. Adults have blue-gray upperparts and pale underparts with reddish barring. Juveniles are brown streaked with vertical brown bars on their white underparts.

Habitat: Sharp-shinned Hawks thrive in a variety of wooded habitats including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for cover and nesting, as well as open spaces for hunting.

Behavior: Sharp-shinned Hawks are agile fliers and skilled hunters known for their quick flight maneuverability, especially in pursuit of small birds and mammals. They often hunt by surprising their prey with sudden bursts of speed and agility.

Breeding: Breeding pairs of Sharp-shinned Hawks build nests in trees using sticks, twigs, and bark lined with softer materials. They typically lay 3-8 eggs per clutch, with an average of 4-5 eggs. Incubation lasts about 30 days, and young hawks fledge after around 4-5 weeks.

Conservation Status: The Sharp-shinned Hawk is generally considered common and not globally threatened.