Sharp-shinned Hawk

ACCIPITER

Sharp-Shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)

• Smallest Accipiter in the U.S.
• Similar in size and quarry to the Merlin.
• Similar in plumage to Cooper’s Hawk, but smaller and less robust. Has thinner legs and longer, square-tipped tail without the white terminal band.
• Mainly inhabits forests and woodland fringes.
• Not commonly used as a falconry hawk in the U.S., but relatively trainable.

Click for more information from the Patuxent Bird Identification Infocenter.