They are part of a group called Accipiter hawks, which the previously listed sharp-shinned hawk is also a part of. You might have to look hard because they purposely hide to scout prey.Ĭooper’s hawks are a middle-sized hawk are a great stalking hunter that likes to watch their prey from dense cover before attacking their prey with great speed and acceleration. Hopefully, their population levels will experience more stability to come. They are not a common sighting due to the severe drops in their population over the past few decades. They are found all over the state of Florida. Where can this bird be seen in the state? They migrate individually after breeding in the northern United States and Canada. Since they are migratory, sharp-shinned hawks will only be found in Florida in the winter season. You will not likely see these hawks in an open area, they like cover and woodlands. Although they migrate individually, they are commonly seen with in groups, although these groups are not necessarily a “flock.” They are migratory birds and generally like to stay hidden to keep out of sight of their prey. Their populations were greatly hindered in the 80s due to DDT and pesticides, then their population recovered, until recently where researchers have begun to notice sharper declines again. They are also known to watch bird feeders and prey on small mammals and birds that feed there. They breed in large forested areas and their prime food source is other smaller birds, which they often hunt in flight. They have a gray coloring on their back and an orange coloring on their front side. More information about general climate impacts to species in Florida.Sharp-shinned hawks vary from other hawk varieties in that they have shorter and wider wings than most. As Florida short-tailed hawks are migratory within the state, their wintering habitat is likely to be impacted in ways distinct from their nesting habitat– sea level rise is likely to be a particular threat to wintering grounds. However, natural and human-induced changes related to climate change, such as changing hydrology may result in loss or degradation of historic nesting sites, creating a significant challenge for the short-tailed hawk in its struggle to adapt. This species has extremely strong nest-fidelity so preserving historic nesting sites is critical. Short-tailed hawks face a loss of nesting sites and foraging habitat that is likely to become more extreme under shifting ecological community dynamics and land use patterns spurred by climate change. Habitats:Ģ2 % 1 meter 39 % 3 meters 61 % not impacted Climate ImpactsĪlthough this species has the advantage of mobility, the Florida short-tailed hawk population is currently highly threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation throughout its range in the state. Ecotones and transitional areas are common components of short-tailed hawk foraging habitat – this species requires open areas adjacent to wooded stands for hunting. Wetlands, cypress swamps and bays are common habitat types for this species. Short-tailed hawks require dense mature woodlands for breeding. These birds nest in the early spring each year and rely on a diet of small birds, with less frequent supplements of mammals and reptiles. Short-tailed hawks are rare in Florida and have proven difficult to study. Despite this hawk’s common name, its tail is not particularly short. Short-tailed hawks have two color morphs (a light and a dark variety) that are not indicative of sex. While short-tailed hawks have an extended geographic range to the south, through parts of Central and South America, the Florida population of this species is distinct and only migratory within the state. Within the United States, the short-tailed hawk can only be found in the Florida peninsula. Higher vulnerability Conservation status:Species of Greatest Conservation Need General Information
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