The smallest hawk found in the United States is the Sharp-shinned Hawk. This diminutive raptor is a fascinating example of aerial agility and predatory efficiency, perfectly adapted to its role in various North American ecosystems.
Understanding the Sharp-shinned Hawk
Often described as roughly the size of a blue jay, the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) is the smallest of the three North American accipiters, a group of hawks known for their short, rounded wings and long tails, ideal for navigating dense forests. Their slender build allows them to pursue small birds and mammals through challenging arboreal environments with remarkable precision.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Small, roughly blue jay-sized (males typically smaller than females). Ranges 9.8-15.7 in (25-40 cm) in length with a wingspan of 16.9-27.6 in (43-70 cm). |
| Classification | Accipiter striatus, part of the "birdhawks" or accipiter genus. |
| Habitat | Primarily forested areas throughout much of North, Central, and South America, including coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests. Also seen in suburban areas with mature trees during migration. |
| Diet | Almost exclusively feeds on small birds (like sparrows, finches, warblers), but will also take small mammals (voles, mice) and large insects. |
| Hunting Style | Known for its acrobatic, high-speed pursuits through dense cover, often ambushing prey from a perch. |
| Appearance | Adults have slate-gray backs and rufous-barred underparts. Juveniles are brown above with streaky brown underparts. Both have long, thin yellow legs and a relatively small head. |
Distribution in the United States
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is found across the entirety of the continental United States, though its presence varies seasonally. They breed in northern forests and mountainous regions of the West, migrating south to warmer climates, including the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America, for the winter. During migration, they can be seen almost anywhere, from rural woodlands to urban parks.
Its ability to inhabit a wide range of forested environments makes it a common, though often elusive, sight for birdwatchers. Their stealthy nature and rapid flight patterns make them challenging to spot unless they are actively hunting or migrating.
For more detailed information about the Sharp-shinned Hawk, including its calls, conservation status, and migratory patterns, you can visit All About Birds from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
