#NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OF PREY LIST FULL SIZE#

Small hawks, like Kestrels and Sharp-shinned, grow to full size in one month large species, like eagles, are full grown in only 11 weeks. After hatching, the young hawks “grow up” very quickly. Incubation takes three to six weeks, depending on the species. Large hawks lay only one or two eggs each year, small hawks from three to five. The allegiance to the breeding site is strong, however, and even those that migrate or disperse will usually return to the same nesting territory and the same mate each year. Some pairs remain together year round others may separate after the breeding season. Most hawks pair for life, but if one partner dies, the other will quickly find a new mate. Here in the northeast, hawks typically breed in the late spring or early summer. In some species, such as Sharp-shinned Hawks, females can weigh twice as much as males. This sexual size difference is often appreciable. In many animal species the males are larger and stronger, but in hawks the difference in size between the sexes is reversed, and females are larger. Not only can hawks see greater distances than humans, but their visual acuity (the ability to see clearly) is eight times that of ours. Their sense of hearing is excellent, and their eyesight the best in the entire animal world. Some species undertake long migrational journeys, traveling thousands of miles each year – a testimony to their strength and stamina. Swift fliers, some hawks can attain speeds of over 150 mph when diving. Their feet are equipped with sharp, curved talons for capturing prey, and their strong beaks are hooked for biting and tearing flesh. It has been going on for millions of years and is, in fact, a necessary function which helps to maintain nature’s balance. They catch, kill, and eat a wide variety of other animals in order to survive. For instance, an American Kestrel weighs only 4 ounces, while a Bald Eagle can weigh 13 pounds – 52 times as much. Although all hawks have certain basic similarities such as keen eyesight, hooked beaks and taloned feet, a wide diversity of forms and sizes exists among them. Sixteen species that regularly occur in New Jersey are described on this website. All are classified as birds of prey, or raptors. Worldwide there are approximately 270 species of carnivorous birds that comprise the order Falconiformes – the scientific name for hawks. “Hawk” is a general term used to describe the entire group of diurnal (active by day) predatory birds.

North american birds of prey list