187 
Distinctions. By small size to be confused only with the Sparrow Hawk, Pigeon 
Hawk, and Cooper’s Hawk. Easily separated from the first by lack of red on back and 
tail and from it and the Pigeon Hawk, which are both true Falcons, by its short, rounded 
wings and untoothed bill (Figures 205 and 206, compare with 228 and 229). Usually 
separated from the Cooper’s Hawk by its smaller size, but a large female may measure 
closely to the size of a small male of that species. A bird under 14 inches long will be a 
Sharp-shin ; over 16, a Cooper’s. The tarsus of the Sharp-shinned is comparatively longer 
and more slender than that of Cooper’s and the tail is square or slightly forked when 
closed (Figure 208) instead of rounded (Figure 209). 
Sharp-shinned Hawk (juvenile); scale, |. 
Appearance in flight. 
Field Marks. Short, round wings regularly barred below; long tail (Figure 207): 
and flight — when not under a burst of speed a series of alternating, quick, even strokes and 
short sails — will mark this species as an Accipiter. Very small size and square instead 
of round tail will separate it from Cooper’s. The lack of red on back and tail is an additional 
distinction from the pointed-winged Sparrow Hawk. 
Nesting. In trees, usually conifers. 
Distribution. Nests in most of the wooded sections of Canada except in the more 
southern parts, north to the tree limit. A common migrant nearly everywhere. 
This is the smallest Hawk we have. It has not the sustained strength 
or persistency of the “Noble Falcons'’, but it is active and agile. It makes 
bold dashes at its prey, but on missing the stroke seldom follows it up by 
pursuit and almost never strikes on the wing, as they do. 
Economic Status. This is the species that should have been called 
“American Sparrow Hawk” instead of the little Falcon which has been 
so named. It is a close relative, and the 
American representative of the European 
Sparrow Hawk which is also an Accipiter . 
The name would suit this bird excellently as 
the smaller Sparrows and other birds are its 
favourite food. 
Of 107 stomachs examined, 6 contained 
poultry or game-birds; 99, other birds; 6, 
mice; and 5, insects. This gives 105 harmful 
food items against 11 good ones. The mice 
consisted of no more than 9 individuals, but 
the small birds numbered 115, from Kinglets 
to a Mourning Dove in size. This makes a 
strong case against this otherwise rather 
One good word can be said for this little Hawk; it 
Figure 208 
Specific details of Sharp-shinned 
Hawk; scale, i. 
interesting species, 
is fond of the English Sparrows and takes toll of their flocks about the 
smaller towns and cities. 
