The sharp-shinned hawk is a small but fierce bird of prey found throughout North America. This agile hawk inhabits forests and woodlands and can be found from Alaska to Florida. Sharp-shinned hawks nest in dense wooded areas and migrate south for the winter. They hunt small birds and mammals in woodlands, forests and even backyards. Understanding the habitat and range of the sharp-shinned hawk can help bird enthusiasts locate this raptor.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Habitat
The sharp-shinned hawk prefers to live in wooded areas, including:
- Deciduous forests – These forests, made up of trees that lose their leaves in fall and winter, provide good cover and habitat for small bird prey.
- Coniferous forests – Also known as evergreen forests, these wooded areas stay green year-round and give sharp-shins places to nest and hide.
- Mixed forests – A combination of deciduous and coniferous trees create ample hunting grounds and nesting sites.
- Woodlots – Small wooded areas and groups of trees in prairies or near human settlements can provide habitat.
- Parks and suburban areas – Sharp-shinned hawks may hunt songbirds even in backyard feeders in some parks and suburbs with mature trees.
The most important factor is dense vegetation and high canopy cover, providing concealed nesting spots and cover while hunting. Sharp-shinned hawks may inhabit forests anywhere from sea level to over 9,800 feet in elevation. They tend to avoid large open areas.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Range
Sharp-shinned hawks have an extensive range across North America:
Breeding Range
During spring and summer breeding season, sharp-shinned hawks live across Canada and throughout many parts of the United States, including:
- Alaska
- Canada
- Northeastern states from Maine to Maryland
- Great Lakes region
- Appalachian Mountains
- Pacific Coast and Mountain West from Washington to California
- Rocky Mountains
- Southwestern mountain ranges
Some sharp-shins may remain year-round in the southern and coastal areas of their breeding range.
Wintering Range
When winter arrives, most sharp-shinned hawks that bred farther north migrate south to warmer areas. Their winter range extends across the southern half of North America including:
- Southeastern states from Virginia to Florida
- Gulf Coast region from Florida to Texas
- Southwestern states from Texas to California
- Mexico
- Pacific Coast from Oregon to Baja California
Some individuals may remain all winter as far north as southern Canada if food is abundant. Migrating sharp-shins often pass through inland areas both in spring and fall.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Habits and Behaviors
The habits and behaviors of sharp-shinned hawks provide more insight into the habitats and range where they live.
Nesting
Sharp-shins nest in dense coniferous or mixed woods, often selecting a site near an opening or edge. They build a stick nest high in a conifer and line it with bark strips and needles. Sharp-shins are secretive nesters, with nests difficult for humans to locate.
Hunting
These birds hunt by surprise attack, using quick dashes after prey. Their preferred targets are small woodland birds like sparrows, warblers and finches. Sharp-shins often hunt at bird feeders placed in yards or parks with mature trees. They also take mammals like chipmunks and mice.
Migration
Most sharp-shinned hawks migrate, traveling between their breeding range and winter range. They often follow coastlines, mountain ranges or inland flyways on migration. Migration peaks in April/May and September/October.
Year-Round Residents
Some sharp-shinned hawks remain in the same area year-round, provided habitat and food are available. They may shift elevations, moving lower in winter. Year-round sharp-shins occur most often along the Pacific Coast and southernmost states.
Ideal Sharp-shinned Hawk Habitat
The following habitat elements create ideal living conditions for sharp-shinned hawks:
- Mature coniferous or mixed forest with a dense canopy for concealed nesting
- Availability of small woodland birds and mammals for prey
- Openings in the forest or edges for hunting perches and ambush attacks
- Thick, low vegetation for hiding and surprise attacks
- Suitable nest trees, typically conifers like pine, fir, spruce or hemlock
- Elevations up to 10,000 feet
- Adequate food and cover to allow year-round residence (in some regions)
Areas with these habitat features have the greatest potential to support sharp-shinned hawks. Conservation of forest habitats is important to ensureavailability of nest sites and prey across their range. Landscape connectivity also aids migration and range movements.
Threats and Challenges
Although still widespread and common, sharp-shinned hawk populations face some key threats:
- Habitat loss – Logging, land clearing and forest fragmentation reduce habitat. Nest sites may be lost.
- Climate change – Could affect prey abundance and migration patterns.
- Human activity – Disturbance of nest sites and habitat degradation from recreation or development.
- Pesticides – May accumulate in sharp-shins and reduce breeding success.
Conservation measures are needed to protect forests and minimize pesticide use across their range. Citizen scientists can also help by reporting nests to researchers without disturbing the area. Providing habitat around yards and buildings helps sharp-shins adapt to human proximity.
Research and Conservation
Ongoing research and conservation efforts help provide insight into sharp-shinned hawks and protect the species:
- Population surveys – Monitoring programs help estimate sharp-shinned hawk populations and trends.
- Migration research – Banding and tracking studies reveal migration routes and timing.
- Toxicology studies – Examine potential impacts of pesticides and other contaminants.
- Habitat protection – Conservation of mature forests supports nesting and hunting.
- Nest monitoring – Locating and observing nests provides reproductive data to guide management.
- Education – Community outreach increases public awareness and participation in stewardship.
Continued research and habitat conservation will give sharp-shinned hawks the best chance of thriving across their range into the future.
Conclusion
In summary, sharp-shinned hawks inhabit forest and woodland habitats across North America. They nest in dense, mature coniferous or mixed woods largely in Canada and the northern and western U.S. Most sharp-shins migrate south to winter in the southern U.S. and Mexico. Ideal habitat provides cover for nesting and ambushing small bird prey. Conservation of forests across their breeding and wintering range is crucial for protecting sharp-shinned hawk populations. Ongoing research and public education assist with management efforts for this fierce but vulnerable accipiter. With appropriate habitat and minimized disturbance, sharp-shinned hawks will continue to thrive as an integral part of North America’s woodland ecosystems.