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Hawk

One Sharp Bird: Hawks, as part of the group known as birds of prey, have acute eyesight, muscular legs and sharp bills. The nostrils are located just above the bill on a fleshy patch of skin that is called the cere. Hawks are known for their sharp talons, which they use to catch prey even when in flight.

A Huge Family: Over 250 species are included in the hawk family. Hawks, like most birds of prey, hunt during the daytime, unlike owls.

Small, Medium and Large: Hawks can be found in forests, prairies, marshlands or open savannas. The birds vary widely in size. The smallest hawks, such as the sparrow hawk, are about the size of a robin while the rough-legged hawk, one of the largest hawks, has a length of 22 inches and a wingspan of over 55 inches. Female hawks are almost always larger than males.

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SPECIES: Red-Tailed Hawk

SPECIES: Harris' Hawk

SPECIES: Cooper's Hawk

DID YOU KNOW?

Homebody Hawk: Hawks hunt and nest in the same territory every year. They may have a number of nest locations and rotate use annually.

A Big Pushover: A non-aggressive bird, the red-tailed hawk is often harassed by other birds, such as owls, crows, magpies, other hawks and even songbirds.

Aerial Acrobatics: These typically secretive birds perform amazing acrobatic aerial displays during the spring breeding season.