Hawks are the most common birds of prey. These
raptors seize, carry, and kill prey with powerful feet tipped with sharp claws
(talons).
They
prevail worldwide except Antarctica. Various habitats are suitable: deserts,
open savannahs, woodlands, marshes, rainforests. Exposed areas for hunting are
preferable. During migration, a kettle of hawks may cover 1,000
miles.
While pursuing mates, male hawks perform unique
aerial displays. Pairs construct nests high above the ground (except for a few
ground-nesting hawks). Nesting and hunting occur in the same territory yearly.
Females are larger and more pronounced in some species. Many pairs are
monogamous for life; when mates die, new ones are promptly
replaced.
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| Red Shouldered Hawk - photo Charlie Corbeil |
In
the wild, survival is 13-20 years. After 1900, deforestation decreased the
red-shouldered hawk population. Now, most common in this country is the
red-tailed hawk. This fairly non-aggressive raptor is harassed by such birds as
crows and owls. In Native American cultures, it is sacred, and its feathers are
used in rituals. Trained, it performs tasks for our armed forces.
Other interesting hawks include the ferruginous
hawk, the largest of its kind and often mistaken for an eagle. This species can
be trained for falconry (game hunting). The rough-legged hawk is named for
feathered legs down to the base of the toes—adaptation for warmth in the arctic
home range. The sharp-shinned hawk male is the smallest hawk in North America,
similar to a jay in size. It is a daring acrobatic flier.
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| Broad Winged Hawk - photo Brett Pigon |
Intelligent and skilled, hawks are opportunistic
feeders; they are mostly diurnal and solitary. Game may include birds, rabbits,
and insects. Carrion is also consumed. Hunting skills are enhanced by flight
speed and exceptional eyesight. Eyes are positioned to cover 280 degrees.
Vision is eight times better than humans—presumably, some prey is spotted from
two miles. Color is distinguishable.
Some
hawks swoop upon prey from concealed perches. Others spot game while soaring
100 feet in the air, then dive at 150 miles per hour in pursuit. Pouncing upon
victims, they grab them with mighty talons and keep on flying. Understandably,
hawks are feared because of fierce hunting skills and gruesome shredding of prey
with hooked bills.
