Hawks
Hawks have a near-worldwide distribution. They are members of the same family as kites and eagles. Falcons, ospreys, and vultures are close relatives.
The color of their plumages ranges from grey or reddish brown on top and pale whitish below. Often they have dark spots or streaks on the back, chest, and legs, and dark wing and tail bars. In most cases, the bills are black, and the feathered legs and feet are yellow, and the talons (claws) are black.
Common Usage of the Term “Hawks”
Technically speaking the term hawk refers to birds of prey in any of three senses:
- Strictly, to mean any of the species in the bird subfamily Accipitrinae in the genera Accipiter, Micronisus, Melierax, Urotriorchis, and Megatriorchis. … In the United States, the most common hawk is the Red-tailed Hawk. Species List
- The large and widespread Accipiter genus includes goshawks, sparrowhawks, the Sharp-shinned Hawk, and others. They are mainly woodland birds that hunt by sudden dashes from a concealed perch. They usually have long tails and high visual acuity.
- More generally, to mean small to medium-sized birds of prey that are members of the Accipitridae, the family which includes the true hawks (Accipiters) and also eagles, kites, harriers, buzzards, and Old World vultures.
- Loosely, to mean almost any bird of prey.
The common names of birds in various parts of the world often use hawk loosely. For example, in North America, the Buteos are often called “hawks”.
Interesting Facts about Hawks
Their weight ranges from as little as 4 ounces (113 grams) up to 3.25 lbs ounces (1.5 kgs). Females tend to be larger than males.
- One of the largest varieties is the Rough-legged Hawk with a wingspan of more than 55 inches (1.4 meters) and a length of about 22 inches (0.6 meters).
- The smallest hawk in North America is the Sharp-shinned Hawk.
In February 2005, the Canadian scientist Dr. Louis Lefebvre announced a method of measuring avian IQ in terms of their innovation in feeding habits. Hawks were named among the most intelligent birds based on this scale.
Hawks are said to have a vision that is about eight times more acute than humans with good eyesight (as good as 20/2). This is because of many photoreceptors in the retina (Up to 1,000,000 per square mm, against 200,000 for humans), a very high number of nerves connecting the receptors to the brain, a second set of eye muscles not found in other animals, and an indented fovea which magnifies the central part of the visual field.
Their acute keen eyesight, muscular legs; powerful, sharp claws, and sharply hooked bills are perfect adaptations for hunting, capturing their prey, and tearing flesh to a manageable size for eating.
These strong hunters catch their prey even during flight – typically using a swift, ‘swooping’ technique. Some of them attain speeds of over 150 mph, particularly during dives. These powerful fliers can soar for long periods.
Migratory species travel over a thousand miles each year to and from their breeding territories.
Species list
This list is in taxonomic order to show the relationships between species.
- Subfamily Accipitrinae
- Genus Accipiter
- Genus Micronisus
- Gabar Goshawk, M. gabar
- Genus Melierax
- Genus Urotriorchis
- Long-tailed Hawk, U. macrourus
- Genus Erythrotriorchis
- Genus Megatriorchis
- Doria’s Goshawk, Megatriorchis Doriae
Beauty Of Birds strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date information; however, mistakes do happen. If you would like to correct or update any of the information, please contact us. THANK YOU!!!
