COMMON NAME: Sharp-shinned Hawk
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Accipiter striatus
IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:
Very similar to the Cooper's hawk, but about one-third smaller. The tail of the
sharp-shinned hawk is squared instead of rounded.
RANGE:
Found throughout the forested regions of North America through Central America
into Argentina and Brazil. A highly migratory species, it leaves the northern
United States in September and winters in Central America. A few sharp-shinned
hawks are seen around bird feeders in Minnesota every winter.
HABITAT:
Like other accipiters, this is a bird of woodlands where it nests and hunts.
NESTING:
The sharp-shinned hawk builds a stick nest in deciduous trees.
FEEDING:
Feeds primarily on small songbirds.
RAPTOR CENTER DATA:
An uncommon patient, but regularly seen in fall during the migration. Like other
accipiters, it needs isolation, is extremely quick, and can be very difficult
to keep in a cage.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
One of the most common hawks in Minnesota, seen by the tens of thousands during
migration.
Other Web Resources:
Sharp-shinned Hawk Range
Minnesota Ornithologists' Union bird range map
Additional Information (not specifically about hawks):
Publications
