Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus

Size: 10-14"; up to 2-foot wingspan

Male: Small woodland hawk with gray back and head, and rusty red breast. Long tail with several dark tail bands, widest band at end of squared-off tail. Red eyes.

Female: Same as male, but larger.

Juvenile: Same size as adults, with a brown back and heavily streaked breast. Yellow eyes.

Nest: Female builds platform nest. One brood per year.

Eggs: 4-5; white with brown markings

Incubation: 32-35 days; female incubates

Fledging: 24-27 days; male and female feed young

Migration: The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a migrator and can be found in St. Charles County during the winter months.

Food: Birds and small mammals.

Compare: Nearly identical to the Cooper's Hawk, only smaller.