Sharp-shinned Hawk - Ross Feldner

This is the smallest hawk in the United States, slightly larger than a Blue Jay. It is widespread, living in a wide range of woodlands and forests especially broad-leaved trees like oaks.

The majority of its prey is small birds including sparrows, finches, wrens, nuthatches and even hummingbirds. Sharp-shinned Hawks employ a surprise and capture method flying out quickly from cover or through dense vegetation. Their long legs, long tails and short wings help them navigate deep woods at high speed.

As a result of the use of DDT, this species declined in numbers in the 1960s and 1970s. Its population has rebounded since the ban on DDT and the proliferation of backyard bird feeders create reliable and easy prey sources.

Studies have shown that bird-feeder hawks prefer to prey on sick and/or injured birds when possible. The large gatherings of birds at feeders can allow for the spread of sickness and disease throughout a flock. By culling the sick birds from the group, feeder hawks help to keep the flock healthy in the long-run.

Females build the nest using sticks and lining the structure with bark chips. Sharp-shinned Hawks feed their young for several weeks after they have fledged starting by dropping dead prey into the nest. As the youngsters gain strength, the parents will start passing the prey to their young in flight after calling to them.