The Sharp-shinned Hawk, Accipiter striatus, is a small, agile bird of prey known for its predatory skills within North American forests. These raptors are adept hunters, primarily targeting other birds. Their diet and hunting strategies reflect their specialized role as avian predators.
Primary Food Source: Small Birds
Small birds constitute the vast majority of the Sharp-shinned Hawk’s diet, often making up 90% or more of their consumed prey. These hawks commonly target species such as sparrows, finches, warblers, chickadees, wrens, nuthatches, and thrushes. They are also known to hunt birds ranging in size from tiny hummingbirds to larger species like robins or even quail.
The abundance of small songbirds across various habitats, including suburban areas with bird feeders, makes them a readily available food source for Sharp-shinned Hawks. Male Sharp-shinned Hawks typically prey on smaller birds like sparrows, while the larger females can pursue bigger prey such as American robins or flickers. This size difference between the sexes helps to reduce competition for food within the species.
Sharp-shinned Hawks frequently visit backyard bird feeders, where concentrations of small birds offer convenient hunting opportunities. The hawks often pluck the feathers from their catch on a post or branch before consuming it.
Hunting Techniques and Adaptations
Sharp-shinned Hawks employ a combination of stealth and speed in their hunting pursuits. They often hunt from concealed perches within dense foliage, patiently waiting for unsuspecting birds to come within striking distance. From these hidden vantage points, they launch sudden, rapid attacks, bursting forth with swift flight to capture prey.
These hawks are also skilled at agile, aerial pursuit, navigating quickly through dense vegetation. Their physical adaptations are well-suited for this type of hunting, including short, rounded wings that provide exceptional maneuverability in tight spaces. A long tail acts like a rudder, enabling precise steering during high-speed chases through trees and brush.
Their keen eyesight and long, slender toes with sharp talons are also crucial for grasping and holding their mobile prey. Sharp-shinned Hawks typically abandon a chase if they don’t quickly secure their target. This preference for short-range ambushes over prolonged pursuits conserves energy.
Beyond Birds: Other Prey and Dietary Shifts
While birds are the primary component of their diet, Sharp-shinned Hawks occasionally consume other prey items. Such instances often occur when bird prey is scarce or during specific seasons.
They may hunt small mammals, including mice and voles, to supplement their diet. Occasionally, their diet can also include large insects, such as grasshoppers and dragonflies, with the latter sometimes caught mid-flight during migration. Lizards, frogs, and even snakes have been recorded as rare prey items.
Bats have also been documented as an infrequent part of their diet. These dietary shifts are generally opportunistic, reflecting the availability of alternative food sources in their environment.