# 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! - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Forests ![Sharp-shinned Hawk](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Accipiter_striatus%252C_Canet_Road%252C_San_Luis_Obispo_1.jpg&width=800) Photo: ALAN SCHMIERER from near Patagonia, AZ, USA, CC0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Accipiter_striatus%252C_Canet_Road%252C_San_Luis_Obispo_1.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Accipitriformes - **Family:** Accipitridae - **Genus:** Accipiter ## 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 - **Forest Weave Master:** Sharp-shinned Hawks can fly rapidly through dense trees because of their short wings and long tail, helping them chase prey. - **Surprise Attack Pro:** Sharp-shinned Hawks can ambush prey from hidden perches, using their swift, unexpected bursts of speed to catch birds. - **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 - **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 - **Hunts:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — A common prey item in its broad range. - **Hunts:** [Northern Cardinal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-cardinal) (*Cardinalis cardinalis*) — Frequently targeted, especially near feeders. - **Hunts:** [Eastern Bluebird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-bluebird) (*Sialia sialis*) — Often preys on this cavity-nesting bird. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — Eggs and nestlings may be taken by larger raptors. - **Shelter:** [Eastern White Pine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-white-pine) (*Pinus strobus*) — Often builds nests high in conifers for protection. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## 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 to identify Sharp-shinned Hawk? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Barrio De Analco Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/barrio-de-analco-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Box Butte County Courthouse](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/box-butte-county-courthouse) — Nebraska, US · Historic Site - [Chadron Commercial Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chadron-commercial-historic-district) — Nebraska, US · Historic District - [Fort Mackinac](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-mackinac) — Michigan, US · Historic Site - [Shore Line Trolley Museum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/shore-line-trolley-museum) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Skull Cave](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/skull-cave) — Michigan, US · Nature Reserve [View all places to see Sharp-shinned Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/sharp-shinned-hawk) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Sharp-shinned Hawk: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sharp-shinned-hawk)