Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus


Identification Tips:

Adult:

Immature:

Similar species:

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is most similar to the Cooper's Hawk. In all plumages, the Sharp-shinned Hawk has a shorter, less rounded tail with a thinner white tip, slimmer tarsi, a more rounded head that does not project much beyond the wings when soaring and a less snappy wingbeat. Male Sharp-shinned Hawks are obviously smaller than all Cooper's Hawks. Adult Sharp-shinned Hawks have a less well-defined cap while immatures have thicker, more extensive streaking on the breast and belly. Immature Northern Goshawks are quite similar to immature Sharp-shinneds but are much larger, more comparable in size to a buteo. American Kestrel is similar in size but has pointed wingtips and quite different patterns.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.