The term “chicken hawk” is a colloquial expression used to describe several hawk species, not a single, specific bird. These raptors are known for their occasional presence near human settlements and, less frequently, their interaction with poultry. This article explores the sizes and hunting habits of the raptors most often associated with this term.
Understanding the Term “Chicken Hawk”
The designation “chicken hawk” is a misnomer, lacking scientific basis for any single bird species. Historically, this unofficial term gained popularity in rural areas where certain hawks were perceived as threats to livestock, particularly chickens. The species most frequently grouped under this umbrella include the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), the Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii), and the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus). Their presence in agricultural or suburban environments, often drawn by other prey, led to their common, though inaccurate, collective nickname.
Dimensions of Common “Chicken Hawks”
The Red-tailed Hawk is a large raptor, measuring 45-65 centimeters (18-26 inches) in length. Its wingspan ranges from 110-145 centimeters (43-57 inches). These hawks weigh 690-2,000 grams (1.5-4.4 pounds), with females notably larger and heavier than males, sometimes by as much as 25%.
Cooper’s Hawks are medium-sized raptors, smaller than Red-tailed Hawks but larger than Sharp-shinned Hawks. Their body length is 35-50 centimeters (14-20 inches). The wingspan ranges from 62-99 centimeters (24-39 inches). They weigh 220-680 grams (7.8-24 ounces), with females often weighing up to one-third more than males.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest of the three species. Their body length is 23-37 centimeters (9-15 inches). The wingspan varies from 42-68 centimeters (17-27 inches). These birds weigh 82-219 grams (2.9-7.7 ounces), with females often more than 50% heavier than males.
Diet and Predatory Habits
Red-tailed Hawks are opportunistic predators with a varied diet that primarily consists of small mammals such as rodents, including mice, voles, gophers, and squirrels, along with rabbits. They are known to eat birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Standard-sized chickens are not a common or significant part of their diet. If a Red-tailed Hawk does target a chicken, it is often an opportunistic act, especially towards smaller or young birds, and they typically consume the prey on the ground if it is too heavy to carry off.
Cooper’s Hawks mainly prey on small to medium-sized birds, including robins, jays, starlings, doves, and pigeons, making up the majority of their diet. They are agile hunters, often pursuing their avian prey through dense cover. Cooper’s Hawks also consume small mammals like chipmunks and squirrels, and occasionally reptiles or insects. These hawks have been known to prey on chickens, including bantam and standard-sized hens, and historical accounts indicate their opportunistic behavior near poultry.
Sharp-shinned Hawks specialize in hunting small birds, such as sparrows, finches, and warblers, which constitute a large portion of their diet. They are particularly adept at hunting near bird feeders where songbirds congregate. Although they are too small to regularly prey on full-grown chickens, they can occasionally target young or smaller poultry, especially if other food sources are scarce or the chickens are confined and easily accessible. Their diet may also include small mammals, lizards, frogs, and large insects.