290. Sharp-shinned Hawk

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) is the smallest of the 3 species of Accipiter Hawks found in our area.  It is less common at Leaning Oaks than Cooper's Hawk.  The two species can be difficult to tell apart, as they are very similar and there is some size overlap between the largest Sharp-shinned Hawks (females) and the smallest Cooper's Hawks (males).  Some useful id tips for this species are a smaller bill (giving Sharp-shins a 'budgie-faced' look), proportionately shorter tail,  and very thin legs and toes.  Despite the fact that small numbers breed on Vancouver Island, we have no summer records here at Leaning Oaks.  Our latest spring sighting is the first week of May and our earliest fall sighting is the last week of August.  

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