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Wildlife
- Birds - |
Sharp-shinned Hawk
(Accipiter striatus) Y |
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RANGE: Breeds from western and central Alaska and northern Yukon
to southern Labrador and Newfoundland, south to central
California, southern Texas, the northern parts of the Gulf
States, and South Carolina. Winters from southern Alaska, the
southernmost portions of the Canadian Provinces south through
the United States to Panama.
STATUS: Fairly common; the population appears to be recovering
from earlier declines that occurred until the early 1970's in
the eastern United States.
HABITAT: Primarily inhabits coniferous and mixed
conifer-birch-aspen forests of the Canadian and Transition life
zones northward to the Arctic tree line. Less commonly inhabits
other woodland types except in mountainous areas. During
migration and in winter it may occur in almost any type of
habitat containing trees or shrubs.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Dense coniferous-deciduous forest.
NEST: Usually nests in trees with dense foliage, primarily
conifers, from 6 to 90 feet, typically 30 to 35 feet above
ground and below a well-developed canopy. Nests may be in small
groves of conifers surrounded by deciduous trees. Generally
constructs a new nest each year in the immediate area of the
previous year's nest.
FOOD: Feeds primarily on birds sighted while flying over forest
floor, meadows, and brushy pastures. Sparrow-sized birds are
taken most often, but occasionally attacks birds larger than
itself. Also eats a few small mammals, reptiles, and insects.
REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, DeGraff et al. 1980, Evans 1982,
Heintzelman 1979, Jones 1979, Miller 1999, Platt 1976, Reynolds
et al. 1982, Shunk 2004, Tate and Tate 1982. |
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