The sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) is a small hawk that is found throughout North America. It is known for its slender body, short rounded wings, and long tail. The sharp-shinned hawk makes a variety of vocalizations, including alarm calls, begging calls of nestlings, and interactions between mates.
Alarm Calls
Sharp-shinned hawks have several different alarm calls that they use to communicate danger or threats:
- The “kik-kik-kik” call is a rapid series of high-pitched notes that sound like “kik.” This call is used to communicate immediate danger or alert others of potential threats.
- The “klee-klee-klee” is a series of clear whistled notes. This call is given frequently during the nesting period, apparently to communicate mild threats or moderate alarm.
- A fast “kek-kek-kek…” is another call used when alerting to threats, often from predators like other hawks.
- A “whee-oo” call is sometimes given during disturbance or harassment, like when mobbing potential predators.
These alarm calls are often given repeatedly to signal danger or distress. The pitch and urgency communicates the degree of threat to other sharp-shinned hawks.
Begging Calls of Nestlings
Nestling sharp-shinned hawks still dependent on their parents make loud, raspy begging calls when hungry or seeking food. These calls are frequently given from the nest and serve to get the attention of the parents and signal that the nestlings are hungry.
The begging calls sound like harsh, grating screams. They often start with a series of lower-pitched “scream-like” calls that progress into a long, drawn-out high screech or wail. The duration and intensity of the begging calls reflect the level of hunger of the nestlings.
Interactions Between Mates
In addition to alarm and begging calls, sharp-shinned hawks have vocalizations associated with courtship and communicating with mates:
- A “kek-kek-kek” call is made by both sexes during courtship or as a territorial call.
- Females give a “kik-kik-kik-kik-kik” call during aerial displays with males in the breeding season.
- A whistled “toowheet” call is made by paired mates during the breeding season as a contact call.
- Mates use squeals or screeches during food exchanges at the nest.
These vocalizations help coordinate breeding activities, strengthen the pair bond, and communicate within breeding territories.
When Do Sharp-Shinned Hawks Vocalize?
Sharp-shinned hawks vocalize year-round but calling increases during the breeding season from March to July. Here are some of the key times vocalizations are heard:
- Alarm calls are made when defending nests or communicating immediate threats.
- Begging calls are frequent and constant when feeding nestlings.
- Pair bonding calls are common in late winter and early spring during courtship.
- Contact calls between mates are made frequently when nesting and foraging.
- Interactions calls are regular between parents and offspring at the nest.
Outside of the breeding season, calling drops off but alarm calls are still used to signal predators or threats.
What Does Sharp-Shinned Hawk Vocalizations Sound Like?
Here are descriptions of the sounds for some of the most common vocalizations:
- Alarm call – a rapid series of high-pitched, urgent “kik” notes
- Begging call – A loud, raspy, drawn-out screech or wail
- Bonding call – A series of “kek” notes
- Contact call – A whistled “toowheet” call
You can listen to recordings of sharp-shinned hawk calls on websites like The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds.
Why Do Sharp-Shinned Hawks Vocalize?
Sharp-shinned hawks vocalize for the following key reasons:
- Communication – Their calls convey information to other hawks such as alarm, food begging, territorial displays, etc.
- Bonding – Vocalizations strengthen pair bonds and family units, especially between parents and offspring.
- Defense – Alarm calls signal threats to defend nests or protect young.
- Coordination – Contact calls allow mates to coordinate their breeding activities.
Vocal communication is an essential part of sharp-shinned hawk social behavior and breeding biology. Different calls allow them to coordinate critical activities, defend resources, and reinforce relationships.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk Identification Tips
Here are some key identification tips to recognize sharp-shinned hawks by sight and sound:
- Small hawk, about the size of a blue jay or robin.
- Bright yellow eyes and slender hooked bill.
- Blue-gray back and rusty barred underparts.
- Long banded tail with white tips.
- Fast and agile flight with rapid wingbeats.
- Nest in dense coniferous or deciduous trees.
- Call is a rapid series of high “kik” notes.
- Young have loud, grating begging screams.
Distinguishing sharp-shinned hawks from the similar Cooper’s hawk relies on small differences in size, wing shape, and tail length. Calling behavior and habitat are also useful identification clues.
Conclusion
In summary, sharp-shinned hawks make a variety of vocalizations essential to their breeding and social behaviors. Alarm calls signal immediate danger, while begging calls by offspring elicit food from parents. Courtship and contact calls strengthen pair bonds and coordinate activities. Knowing the sounds sharp-shinned hawks make aids in identifying these small, swift forest hawks.
