Sharp-Shinned Hawk: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Small Hunters · day 3 of 7

Five facts

1. A sharp-shinned hawk takes birds from a 4.4 g Anna's hummingbird to a 577 g ruffed grouse.
2. Males chase small birds like sparrows, females go for bigger prey like robins, so the pair do not fight over food.
3. Sharp-shinned hawks often hunt around backyard bird feeders, where prey gathers. They often pluck feathers off prey on a perch.
4. They ambush prey from hiding or zip through thick bushes. They are skilled in thickets, but hunting there is often dangerous for them.
5. A sharp-shinned hawk builds a stick nest in a big conifer. Clutches of 3 to 8 eggs are recorded, but 4 to 5 is typical.

The quiz

1. How heavy is the Anna's hummingbird a sharp-shinned hawk may catch?

• 44 g
• 4.4 g (correct)
• 577 g
• 1 g

The lightest prey mentioned is a 4.4 g Anna's hummingbird.

2. Which sex goes for bigger prey like robins?

• Females (correct)
• Males
• Young birds
• Both equally

Females pursue larger prey like robins, while males target smaller birds.

3. Where do sharp-shinned hawks often hunt?

• Over open water
• Inside caves
• Around backyard bird feeders (correct)
• Above city rooftops at night

They often hunt around backyard bird feeders where prey gathers.

4. Where do sharp-shinned hawks surprise prey from?

• From high above in the open
• From open fields on the ground
• From open water
• From cover (correct)

They ambush prey from hiding or zip through thick bushes.

5. How many eggs are typical in a sharp-shinned hawk clutch?

• 1 to 2
• 4 to 5 (correct)
• 10 to 12
• 20 to 25

Clutches typically hold 4 to 5 eggs.

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