sharp-shinned hawk
Quick Summary
The sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) is a common, widely distributed American accipiter. It is grayish above with a chestnut breast, short rounded wings, and a tail that is notched or square when folded.1
Hawks, in general, are small to medium-sized birds of prey. While often misunderstood, most hawks are beneficial to humans, primarily feeding on small mammals, reptiles, and insects, rather than poultry. The sharp-shinned hawk, belonging to the genus Accipiter, is known for its agility due to its long tail and short, rounded wings, allowing for fast, low flight. These birds are found across the New World.2
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
