A photograph of a paper cutout of a photo of a Sharp-shinned Hawk perched on a large rock with a cityscape in the background and two boats on the water in the harbor between the city and the island where the hawk is.
“Sharp-shinned Hawk” with urban skyline in the background

Sharp-shinned Hawk

SSHA
  • Scientific: Accipiter striatus
  • Spanish: Gavilán Americano
  • French: Épervier brun
  • Family: Hawks and Eagles
  • Bird Code: SSHA

If there is a 3° C increase in temperature due to unmitigated climate change

Predicted percentage of habitat lost

55%
Summer range lost
23%
Winter range lost

Climate and other threats imore info

Habitat

Coasts, forests, meadows, savannahs, as well as urban habitats.

Range

During breeding season found in Canada (widespread) and Western United States through Mexico; In the winter, widespread in the United States, Southern Canada, and Northern Mexico.

Silhouette of Grace's Warbler
Did you know?

The Hopi name for Sharp-shinned Hawks is co-chaw’ hung’we-ku. During the decades when the pesticide DDT was in use (1940s – 1972), these hawks declined considerably. Rachel Carson and her book “Silent Spring” are largely credited with drawing attention to the hazards of DDT and getting it banned. Once DDT usage stopped, many wildlife species including these “Sharpies” rebounded.