In the richly diverse birding landscapes of New Jersey, the sharp-shinned hawk stands out as one of the most agile and elusive raptors to observe. Known for its swift movements and woodland hunting tactics, the sharp-shinned hawk often draws attention during migration seasons, especially in areas close to the Atlantic Flyway. Birdwatchers in NJ who are patient and attentive may be rewarded with the brief but thrilling sight of this small hawk dashing through trees or circling overhead. From forests to backyard feeders, the sharp-shinned hawk plays a unique ecological role across the Garden State.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk Overview
Identification and Physical Traits
The sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) is the smallest hawk species in North America. Adult males are usually about 10 inches long, while females can reach up to 13 inches. Key identification features include:
- Slender body with short, rounded wings
- Long, narrow tail with a squared or slightly notched tip
- Red-orange eyes in adults; yellow in juveniles
- Steely blue-gray back and reddish barring on the chest in adults
- Brown streaked plumage in juveniles
They are often confused with Cooper’s hawks, but sharp-shinned hawks have a smaller head and shorter neck, giving them a more compact appearance.
Behavior and Diet
Sharp-shinned hawks are fast and agile flyers, capable of weaving through dense tree cover to ambush prey. Their primary diet consists of small songbirds, particularly sparrows, finches, and robins. They will also occasionally take small mammals, insects, or reptiles.
Sharp-Shinned Hawks in New Jersey
Habitat Preferences
In New Jersey, sharp-shinned hawks prefer forested areas, particularly mixed woodlands and coniferous stands. During migration, they can be spotted in more open habitats, including parks, suburban neighborhoods, and coastal areas.
Some of the best places to find sharp-shinned hawks in NJ include:
- Cape May Point State Park
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (nearby in PA but relevant for NJ birders)
- Watchung Reservation
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Seasonal Presence
Sharp-shinned hawks are most visible in New Jersey during migration periods. Fall migration is especially prominent, with large numbers moving through the state between September and November. Spring migration occurs from March through May, though in smaller numbers.
While some sharp-shinned hawks may nest in the northern regions of New Jersey, they are more commonly observed during migration or winter months, when individuals from Canada and the northern U.S. move south.
Migration Through the Atlantic Flyway
Importance of the Flyway
New Jersey lies along the Atlantic Flyway, a major north-south migration route used by millions of birds each year. Sharp-shinned hawks take advantage of this corridor to move between breeding and wintering grounds. The presence of coastal ridges, open fields, and woodlands provides ideal stopover habitat for migrating raptors.
Hawk Watching in NJ
Cape May, NJ, is a world-renowned birding destination, especially during hawk migration season. Sharp-shinned hawks are among the most frequently counted species at the Cape May Bird Observatory’s hawk watch platform. On a good fall day, observers might see dozens, if not hundreds, of these hawks gliding by or diving after prey.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Nesting in New Jersey
Though more common as migrants, sharp-shinned hawks do nest in New Jersey, particularly in the northern and western forested regions. Nests are typically built in dense conifers or mixed woods, often well-hidden and high above the ground. The female does most of the incubation while the male supplies food.
Egg and Chick Development
Sharp-shinned hawks typically lay 3 to 5 eggs per clutch. The eggs are incubated for about 30 days, and the chicks fledge approximately 3 to 4 weeks after hatching. During the early weeks, the female remains with the young while the male hunts and delivers prey to the nest.
Sharp-Shinned Hawks and Human Interaction
Backyard Visits
During winter or migration, sharp-shinned hawks may appear at backyard bird feeders not to eat seeds, but to hunt the birds that gather there. While their presence can be alarming for bird lovers, it’s a natural part of the food chain. Removing feeders for a few days can discourage hawks from lingering too long.
Conservation Status
The sharp-shinned hawk is not currently considered threatened or endangered, but it does face challenges:
- Habitat loss due to urbanization
- Collisions with windows and vehicles
- Exposure to pesticides and toxins through prey
Protecting forested habitats and maintaining healthy ecosystems are key to ensuring the stability of sharp-shinned hawk populations.
Research and Monitoring in NJ
Banding and Tracking
Organizations like the New Jersey Audubon Society and the Cape May Bird Observatory engage in hawk banding efforts during migration seasons. These efforts help scientists understand migration routes, survival rates, and population health.
Citizen Science Opportunities
Birders across New Jersey contribute valuable data through citizen science programs such as:
- eBird sightings
- Christmas Bird Count
- Spring and Fall Migration Counts
These efforts help track sharp-shinned hawk movements and inform conservation strategies statewide.
Fascinating Facts About Sharp-Shinned Hawks
- They can reach speeds of up to 60 mph in short bursts while chasing prey through trees.
- Despite their small size, they are fierce hunters and can take down prey nearly their own size.
- Their scientific name,Accipiter striatus, means striped hawk, referring to the chest pattern in adults.
- Sharp-shinned hawks are often silent but may call with a high-pitched kik-kik-kik when alarmed or during breeding.
The sharp-shinned hawk in New Jersey offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of raptors. Whether darting through forests in search of prey, soaring above Cape May during migration, or quietly nesting in remote woods, this species adds richness to NJ’s birdlife. Observing and protecting these hawks helps preserve not just one species, but the delicate balance of ecosystems where they play an essential role. For anyone passionate about birds, the sharp-shinned hawk in NJ is a species worth watching and conserving.