The Sharp-Shinned Hawk is a small species of hawk, with the males being famed for being the smallest in the United States.
Interestingly, the females Sharp-Shinned hawks are estimated as larger by about one-third. Sharp-Shinned Hawks have short, round wings and square tails.
Adult Sharp-Shinned Hawks have pale, gray feathers and pale orange underparts.
Young Sharp-Shinned Hawks are streaky brown and have white feathers underneath.
With this population increasing as well, they breed in extensive forests, and live well-hidden in thick trees and coniferous forests.
Sharp-Shinned Hawks have two easily identifiable calls, including a ‘ki-ki’ sound, and a piercing shriek.
Sharp-Shinned Hawks can be observed year-round in California on the edges of forests, in open woodlands, and other areas that have tall trees or open grounds.