ACCI PITRES 
121 
SUBSPECIES. The type form, the Eastern Goshawk (l'Autour de I’Est) Aslur 
atricapillus atricapillus, is the common subspecies over the greatest part of its range. Some 
migrants into southern British Columbia and southward are more overwashed with buffy 
in the juvenile, and have been separated as the Western Goshawk (l’Autour de l’Ouest) 
.4 star atricapillus siriatulus. We know very little of the geographic distribution of this 
form, but presume that it breeds somewhere on the northwest coast. The fine vermicu- 
lation of the underparts usually given as the distinctive character of this race is but an 
indication of full maturity. 
The American representative of the Old World Goshawk or “Goose 
Hawk,” which seems to have been the original name, was the only short- 
winged hawk regularly used in ancient falconry. It was flown at hares, 
partridges, and such ground-game, which its long tail and short wings 
allowed it to follow through rapid turnings and twistings, whereas its size 
allowed it to kill quite large game. It was not, however, regarded as a 
thoroughly sportsmanlike bird as it lacked the spirit and energy of the 
long-winged falcons and its use lacked the excitement and interest aroused 
by the use of “Noble Hawks.” 
Economic Status, Fortunately this bird is only an irregular winter 
visitor to our most thickly settled sections. Otherwise it would be a serious 
menace to the poultryman. Of 20 stomachs examined: 9 contained poultry 
or game; 2, other birds; 10, mammals; 3, insects; and 1, a centipede. 
Of the 10 mammals, 3 were rabbits arid 1 a grey squirrel, both of which 
can be regarded as useful. This gives a total of 15 harmful food items 
against 9 useful and 1 neutral. There can be no question as to the harmful 
status of this species. Its size gives it ample power to take pullets and 
even well-grown hens, and such large game as Ruffed Grouse is its favourite 
food. Though the real home of the Goshawks is in the more northern 
forests, once they establish themselves near a farmyard they are likely 
to visit it daily. They dash suddenly over or around a building into the 
middle of the poultry flock, seize their victim, and are off with it before the 
owner can protect his property. 
332. Sharp-shinned Hawk, chicken - hawk, l’epervier brun. Accipiter velox. 
L, 11-25. Plate XIII A. The smallest of the Accipiters. About the size of the Sparrow 
Hawk and Pigeon Hawk (Figure 175—2). Similar in colour and plumage sequence to 
Cooper’s Hawk. In juvenility: striped with dark brown and white; adults: back dark 
I due and breast barred with (lull reddish and white. 
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 176 and 177, compare with 210 and 211). 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 should 
be a Sharp-shinned; over 16, a Cooper’s. 
The tarsus of the Sharp-shinned is com- 
paratively longer and more slender than 
that of Cooper’s and the tail is square or 
slightly forked when closed (Figure 181) 
instead of rounded (Figure 182). 
Field Marks. Short, round wings regu- 
larly barred below; long tail (Figure 180); 
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 
Figure 180 
Sharp-shinned Hawk (juvenile): scale, 
pointed- winged Sparrow Flawk. 
Appearance in flight. 
