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Sharp-shinned Hawk Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Sharp-shinned Hawks are small, long-tailed hawks with short, rounded wings. They have small heads that in flight do not always project beyond the “wrists” of the wings. The tail tends to be square-tipped and may show a notch at the tip. Females are considerably larger than males.

    Relative Size

    On average, males are the size of an American Kestrel, slightly larger than a jay. Females are one-third larger than males, approaching the size of a male Cooper’s Hawk.

    Relative Sizebetween robin and crowbetween robin and crow

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 9.4-13.4 in (24-34 cm)
      • Weight: 3.1-7.7 oz (87-218 g)
      • Wingspan: 16.9-22.1 in (43-56 cm)