They measure 10 to 14 inches long and have wingspans of about 2 feet, yet weigh only 2 to 7 ounces. Sharp-shinned Hawks are the smallest of the three North American accipiters. As a group accipiters are secretive and are observed less frequently than most other hawks. Their recognizable flight pattern consists of several rapid flaps and then a glide. They have short rounded wings and long rudder-like tails which allow them to maneuver among the trees. The protection of that natural world is of paramount importance to their well-being, and to ours.Īccipiters are hawks that inhabit deeply wooded areas. They are, like all living things, important parts of a diverse and intricate natural world. Fortunately, with our increased ecological knowledge we now realize that hawks are neither harmful nor cruel. In the past, they were seen as wanton killers – cruel and harmful creatures. Because they are predators, hawks have historically been regarded by many people as vermin. It is illegal to capture or kill a hawk, or to possess a hawk, alive or dead, without the proper permits from both the State of New Jersey and the U.S. The young leave the nest (fledge) at this time, but often remain with their parents for several more weeks before attaining total independence.Īll hawks are protected by state and federal laws.
#BIRDS OF PREY ANIMALS FULL SIZE#
Small hawks, like Kestrels and Sharp-shinned, grow to full size in one month large species, like eagles, are full grown in only 11 weeks.
After hatching, the young hawks “grow up” very quickly. Incubation takes three to six weeks, depending on the species. Large hawks lay only one or two eggs each year, small hawks from three to five. The allegiance to the breeding site is strong, however, and even those that migrate or disperse will usually return to the same nesting territory and the same mate each year. Some pairs remain together year round others may separate after the breeding season. Most hawks pair for life, but if one partner dies, the other will quickly find a new mate. Here in the northeast, hawks typically breed in the late spring or early summer. In some species, such as Sharp-shinned Hawks, females can weigh twice as much as males. This sexual size difference is often appreciable. In many animal species the males are larger and stronger, but in hawks the difference in size between the sexes is reversed, and females are larger. Not only can hawks see greater distances than humans, but their visual acuity (the ability to see clearly) is eight times that of ours. Their sense of hearing is excellent, and their eyesight the best in the entire animal world. Some species undertake long migrational journeys, traveling thousands of miles each year – a testimony to their strength and stamina.
Swift fliers, some hawks can attain speeds of over 150 mph when diving. Their feet are equipped with sharp, curved talons for capturing prey, and their strong beaks are hooked for biting and tearing flesh. It has been going on for millions of years and is, in fact, a necessary function which helps to maintain nature’s balance. They catch, kill, and eat a wide variety of other animals in order to survive. For instance, an American Kestrel weighs only 4 ounces, while a Bald Eagle can weigh 13 pounds – 52 times as much. Although all hawks have certain basic similarities such as keen eyesight, hooked beaks and taloned feet, a wide diversity of forms and sizes exists among them. Sixteen species that regularly occur in New Jersey are described on this website. All are classified as birds of prey, or raptors. Worldwide there are approximately 270 species of carnivorous birds that comprise the order Falconiformes – the scientific name for hawks. “Hawk” is a general term used to describe the entire group of diurnal (active by day) predatory birds.
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