The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest species of hawk found in North America. It is an Accipter, a family of birds that includes the Northern Goshawk and the Cooper's Hawk. In this species, females are typically about one third larger and heavier than male birds.
Sharp-shinned Hawks, also called "sharpies," feed primarily on birds, mostly caught on the wing. They pluck their prey before consuming it.
Sharp-shinned Hawks are resident birds in part of their range, while some birds migrate. They breed as far north as Alaska. Some birds winter deep into Central America.
