How to identify the Sharp-shinned Hawk

To correctly identify the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

23-34 cm (9-13 in)

Wingspan

51-64 cm (20-25 in)

Weight

82-218 g (2.9-7.7 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have slate-blue to bluish-gray upperparts, with rufous barring on the underparts. The tail is dark with 3-4 broad black bands and a narrow white tip. Juveniles are brown above with streaky brown underparts, often with a buffy wash. The tail is similar to adults but browner.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Short, sharply hooked, dark gray to black with a yellow cere.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Adults have dark red to reddish-orange eyes. Juveniles have bright yellow eyes, which gradually darken with age.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Long, slender yellow legs and feet with sharp black talons.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Small size, short rounded wings, long square-tipped tail (often notched when worn), and rapid, agile flight. The head often appears small relative to the body. The tarsi (lower legs) are noticeably thin, giving rise to its common name.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles have brown upperparts, often with rufous feather edgings, and heavily streaked underparts (brown streaks on a white or buff background). Their eyes are yellow, contrasting with the adult's red eyes.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes, though plumage can become worn and faded by the end of the breeding season before molting.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Females are significantly larger than males, sometimes by as much as 50% in weight and 25% in length. Plumage is similar between sexes, though females may be slightly duller.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Look for a very small hawk with short, rounded wings and a long, square-tipped tail. The head often appears small and barely extends beyond the wings in flight.
• Flight Pattern. Observe its characteristic 'flap-flap-glide' flight. When hunting, it's incredibly agile, darting and weaving through dense cover.
• Plumage (Adult). Adults have slate-blue backs and rufous-barred underparts. The tail has dark bands and a narrow white tip. Red eyes are a key adult feature.
• Plumage (Juvenile). Juveniles are brown-backed with heavy brown streaking on the underparts and bright yellow eyes.
• Legs. Note the very thin, 'sharp' tarsi (lower legs), which are a good distinguishing feature from Cooper's Hawks, especially in good views.

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