ExploreBirds

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small bird of prey that loves to fly fast and catch little birds. With its sharp eyes and quick wings, it is a master of the skies!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small, agile raptor with short, rounded wings and a long, square-tipped tail. Adults have a slate-blue back and rusty barred undersides, while juveniles are brown above with streaky breasts. Its small size differentiates it from similar hawks.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyAccipitridaeGenusAccipiter
Sharp-shinned Hawk
feathered trait badgeaerial trait badgeambush_predator trait badgeforest trait badge
Sharp-shinned Hawk

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

"Sharp-shins" are the smallest hawk in North America, often smaller than a crow!

Despite their size, they've been known to chase bats or even try to hunt larger birds!

During migration, hundreds or thousands can gather, soaring together in incredible groups!

They pluck their prey's feathers on a favorite "plucking post" before eating it!

Special abilities

Ability

Forest Weave Master

Sharp-shinned Hawks can fly rapidly through dense trees because of their short wings and long tail, helping them chase prey.

Ability

Surprise Attack Pro

Sharp-shinned Hawks can ambush prey from hidden perches, using their swift, unexpected bursts of speed to catch birds.

Ability

Super Sight Sensor

Sharp-shinned Hawks have excellent vision that helps them spot tiny movements of birds and insects from a distance.

Measurements & details

Length
23-34 cm
Wingspan
51-68 cm
Weight
0.082-0.218 kg
Lifespan
3-10 years
Top Speed
96 km/h
Clutch Size
4-5
Incubation
21-35 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

These swift hunters primarily eat small birds, catching them with incredible speed and agility!

Primary Foods

  • Songbirds
  • Finches
  • Sparrows
  • Warblers
  • Hummingbirds
  • Small Mammals

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them. They are wild animals!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Sharp-shinned Hawk?

23-34 cm

What is Sharp-shinned Hawk's wingspan?

51-68 cm

How much does Sharp-shinned Hawk weigh?

0.082-0.218 kg

How long does Sharp-shinned Hawk live?

3-10 years

How fast can Sharp-shinned Hawk move?

96 km/h

What does Sharp-shinned Hawk eat?

These swift hunters primarily eat small birds, catching them with incredible speed and agility!

Where is Sharp-shinned Hawk usually found?

Forests

How does Sharp-shinned Hawk hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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