Small, fast, and remarkably precise, the sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) is one of North America’s most agile birds of prey and a species local birders can spot right here in the Highland Lakes area. Often seen as a sudden blur slipping through trees or flashing past backyard feeders, this compact raptor is built for speed, stealth, and split-second turns.
The sharp-shinned hawk takes its name from the narrow, sharply edged bones of its lower legs.
It is the smallest hawk in North America, measuring just 9–13 inches long, with females noticeably larger than males, a common trait among raptors.
Short, rounded wings and a long, squared tail make it exceptionally maneuverable, allowing it to weave through dense woods in pursuit of prey where larger hawks struggle to follow.
Sharp-shinned hawks are often confused with the slightly larger Cooper’s hawk, especially during quick backyard sightings.
Key differences include size and shape: sharp-shinned hawks are smaller and slimmer, with a more compact build and a small head that barely extends beyond the wings in flight, while Cooper’s hawks appear bulkier with a broader chest and a noticeably larger head.
Tail shape is another helpful clue—sharpshinned hawks typically show a squared or slightly notched tail tip, compared to the rounded tail of a Cooper’s hawk. Their flight styles are similar, marked by several quick wingbeats followed by a glide, but sharp-shinned hawks tend to look faster and more frenetic, while Cooper’s hawks appear stronger and more deliberate in the air.
Birds make up the majority of the sharpshinned hawk’s diet. Sparrows, finches, chickadees, and warblers are frequent targets, which is why these hawks are often drawn to backyard bird feeders.
While a sudden strike can be jarring for bird lovers, it is a natural and necessary interaction – predation playing its role in maintaining balanced bird populations.
When birds are less available, sharpshinned hawks will also take small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, and occasionally bats, along with reptiles and amphibians including lizards, small snakes, and frogs. Large insects like grasshoppers and moths may be taken opportunistically.
In the Highland Lakes region, including Burnet and Llano counties, sharp-shinned hawks are most commonly observed during fall and winter migration. As songbirds move south, these hawks follow, using wooded creek corridors, oak-juniper woodlands, and even suburban neighborhoods with mature trees.
Sightings are often brief: a rapid pass through the yard, a momentary perch hidden in foliage, or a sudden burst of speed after startled birds. Once affected by pesticide use in the mid-20th century, Accipiter striatus has made a strong recovery and is now considered stable.
Its presence in the Highland Lakes area is a quiet indicator of healthy habitat—swift, efficient, and often gone as quickly as it appears, leaving only a rush of wings and a renewed appreciation for the wildness still woven into everyday landscapes.
