Sharp-shinned Hawk

sharp-shinned hawk

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)


The Sharp-shinned Hawk is one of our more common raptors. These birds built a stick nest at a relatively low height (less than 10 m) in a coniferous tree such as White Spruce. As they are a smaller bird of prey, they don’t lay their eggs as early as the Bald Eagle or Owls, and will sometimes even lay a second time if their first attempt was unsuccessful.

Being an accipiter, Sharp-shins tend to prey on small birds, catching them after a short chase. This method of hunting leads to many sightings in urban areas, and near bird feeders.