10 Amazing Bird Facts (Hawk)

The term ‘hawk’ is used to describe the entire family of diurnal birds of prey. It belongs to the same heterogeneous family of birds, including Eagle, Kite, The Old World Vulture and the Secretary Bird.

Fast Facts about Hawk

1. Hawks vary in size depending on the species. Smallest hawk (American Kestrel) weighs only 4 ounces. Largest hawk (Ferruginous Hawk) weighs up to 5 pounds. Females are larger than males.

2. Large species of hawks (such as Rough-legged Hawk) reach the length of 22 inches, with wingspan of 55 inches.

Read also: 10 Amazing Bird Facts (The Common Loon)

3. Hawks build large nests out of sticks. The nests can be 3 feet wide. Hawks place their nests atop a tall tree, a cliff or even a cactus.

4. Hawks are characterized by sharp talons, large, curved bill and muscular legs. Sharp bill is used for biting and tearing the prey.

5. 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.

6. Most hawks are diurnal (they are active during the day). Some hawks are crepuscular (they are active early in the morning during dawn and late in the day at dusk).

7. Hawk’s eyes are on the sides of their heads. This allows them to see almost all of the area around them (280 degrees). They have a limited area of depth perception (20 degrees).

Also Read: 10 Amazing Bird Facts (The Crowned Eagle)

8. After hatching, the young hawks grow up very quickly. Small hawks like Kestrels and Sharp-shinned grow to full size in a month’s time while large species like eagles take 11 months to attain full size.

9. Hawks are opportunistic feeders. That mean that they hunt and eat whatever is available. Mostly, they hunt frogs, insects, squirrels, rats, snakes, rabbits and smaller birds.

10. Average lifespan of a hawk is between 13 and 20 years in the wild. Hawks live over 20 years in captivity.