Sharp-shinned Hawks are small, long-tailed hawks with short, rounded wings. They have small heads that in flight do not always project beyond the “wrists” of the wings. The tail tends to be square-tipped and may show a notch at the tip. Females are considerably larger than males.

Why are they called sharp shinned hawks?

The sharpshin derives its name from the presence of a sharp, laterally compressed keel on the leading edge of its long legs. Because they are secretive and tend to favor areas of dense vegetation during the breeding season, sharpshins are most easily observed during migration.

What is another name for a sharp-shinned hawk?

Common names include “Sharp-shin,” “Sharpie,” “Blue Darter,” “Little Blue Darter,” and “Bird Hawk.”