IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: 
Length 11" wingspan 23" sexes are similar in size and color. Very similar to the Coopers hawk but about 5" smaller. The tail of the Sharp-shin is squared instead of rounded. 

RANGE: 
Found throughout the forested regions of North America through Central and South America. A highly migratory species it leaves the northern U.S. in September and winters in Central America. A few Sharp-shinned hawks are seen around bird feeders here in the Central Valley during the wintertime. 

HABITAT: 
Like other Accipiters this bird perfers woodlands where it nests and hunts. 

NESTING: 
The Sharp-shin builds a stick nest in deciduous trees. 

FEEDING: 
Feeds primarily on small song birds.