MEASUREMENTS: The Sharp-shinned Hawk has a body length of 10 - 14 inches, a wingspan of 20 - 27 inches, and weighs 3 - 8 ounces. HABITAT: This hawk occupies a wide variety of forests throughout North America and on some Carribean Islands. These woodland areas range from boreal coniferous, mixed deciduous, bushy and riparian areas, tropical cloud forests, mountainous pine forests, savanna woodlands, and urban areas. Birds in the northern extent of their range migrate south as far as Panama, while birds at higher elevation move to lower elevation during the winter. DIET: Birds make up to 90% of this hawk’s diet, but they may also take small mammals, frogs, lizards, and insects. Sharp-shinned Hawks use a fast bursting flight to chase down their prey. REPRODUCTION: The bark and greenery-lined stick nest is usually built each year in a dense stand of trees. The female lays 2 - 5 eggs that are incubated for 30 - 32 days. The young hawks are flying 3 - 4 weeks later, and may be capable of breeding their first year. NAME DERIVATION: The scientific name comes from the Latin words accipere, meaning to take or seize and refers to a hawk or bird of prey, and striatus, meaning striped and refers to the striped breast of the immature bird. The common name refers to the exposed thin shin or lower leg. Sharp-shinned Hawks have been referred to as Bird Hawk, Bullet Hawk, Little Blue Darter, Pigeon Hawk, and Sparrow Hawk. INTERESTING FACTS: The Sharp-shinned Hawk’s prey is usually taken to a special location near the nest to be plucked of its feathers or fur. This perch is referred to as a plucking post or butcher’s block. Sharp-shinned Hawks are often seen chasing and feeding on songbirds at backyard bird feeders. All North American accipiters have red eyes as adults.

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