Sharp-shinned Hawk

Small Bird Assassin

The sharp-shinned hawk is probably best known for its appetite for smaller birds.  It is often seen invading bird feeders but not for the bird seed.  It feeds almost entirely on small birds.

The Sharp-shinned Hawk
(c) 2008 Chris Anderson

In the early part of the 20th century thousands of these birds were shot on the eastern part of the United States during migration periods.  Apparently the hunters were trying to save the smaller birds??

Year-round Resident

This hawk is a year-round resident of Ohio.  Since they feed on small birds the sharp-shinned has an endless supply of food during the winter just by hanging around bird feeders.

Identification

This medium to small-sized hawk has rounded wings and long, narrow tail that is square at the end.  It is stockier in appearance than other hawks of this kind (Accipiters).

The sharp-shinned is similar to the cooper's hawk except it has a smaller head

Males and females look the same although the female is considerably larger.  The female is typically twice the size of the male. 

The female sharp-shinned can sometimes be mistaken for a male cooper's hawk.

Adult Features

Adults have a steel gray back, wings and tail.  The breast us whitish with rust colored barring.  The eyes are orange to red.

Immature Features

An immature sharp-shinned  has a brown back, wings and tail.  The breast is white with brown streaks.  The streaking on this hawk is heavier than the immature cooper's hawk.  The eyes are yellow.

Where it Lives (Habitat)

The sharp-shinned prefers pine woodlands but will also use hardwood forest.  They will often nest in younger-denser forest areas.

Nesting

In Northwest Ohio the broad-winged will begin building nests later in April.  Eggs are laid in May to mid June.  Most young will hatch in June and leave the nest by July.

The Nest

Return from Sharp-shinned Hawk to Birds of Prey

Plants & Animals

Birds

Things to See & Do

Photography

Articles

Why Donate?