Fifty Birds of Town and City
Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius)
Length about 10 inches; Sparrow Hawk is one of the best known and handsomest, as well
as smallest, of North American hawks. Breeds throughout the United States, Canada,
and northern Mexico; winters in the United States and south Guatemala.
The sparrow hawk, a true falcon, lives in the more open areas and
builds its nest in hollow trees. It is often found where telephone and power poles
afford it convenient perching and feeding places, and may be seen hovering high over its
intended prey. Sparrow hawk food consists of insects, small mammals, birds, spiders, and
reptiles. Grasshoppers, crickets, terrestrial beetles, and caterpillars make up
considerably more than half its subsistence, while field mice, house mice, and shrews
cover fully 25 percent of its annual supply.
Visit our Yankee Gardener Bird Lovers Paradise for a comprehensive section of bird houses, feeders, bird books and resources.
|
