NOVEMBER 2015 • NEBRASKAland 15
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Song or calls: A high "ke-ke-ke-ke." Often
heard near nest.
Description: Sexes similar. Slate blue above,
white with rust-colored cross-barring below.
Differentiated from similar Cooper's hawk by
a square, rather than rounded, tail. Tail is often
notched. Crown and back are not strongly
contrasting. Immatures are brown above, white
with brown streaking below. Females are larger.
Habitat: Found in areas of fairly dense forest.
Prefers woods with a mix of coniferous trees.
Where in Nebraska: Uncommon to occasional
winter visitor and spring migrant across the state.
Thought to nest in the forests along the Missouri
River Valley.
Field Notes: Often familiar to backyard birders,
as sharp-shins will make meals of small birds
visiting feeders.
Fun Facts: Sharp-shinned hawk parents will
give prey to whichever of their young reached
them first while in flight. ■
To learn about more birds visit:
NebraskaBirdLibrary.org.
Nebraska Bird Library
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PHOTO
BY
JUSTIN
HAAG
