Difference between revisions of "Hawk" - New World Encyclopedia

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'''Hawk''' is the common name for various small to medium-sized diurnal [[birds of prey]] in the family [[Accipitridae]] of the [[bird]] order [[Falconiformes]], characterized by a short, hooked bill, curved and sharp talons, and keen eyesight, and smaller size than the [[eagle]]s of the same family. More specifically, the "true hawks" are considered any of those long-tailed birds with short, rounded wings that comprise the Accipitridae [[genus]] ''Accipiter'' (goshawks and sparrowhawks) or sometimes those belonging to both ''Accipiter'' and ''Melierax'' (chanting goshawks) (Olsen 2004). Broader still, as commonly used in [[Europe]] and [[Asia]], the term "hawk" refers strictly to any of the [[species]] in the genera ''Accipiter,'' ''[[Micronisus]],'' ''Melierax,'' ''[[Urotriorchis]],'' or ''[[Megatriorchis]],'' all of which belong to the Accipitrinae subfamily. However, the term hawk also is used as part of the common name for many other birds in the Falconiformes, such as many members in the genus ''Buteo'' (for example, [[red-tailed hawk]], ''B. jamaicensis'').
  
The term '''hawk''' refers to [[bird of prey|birds of prey]] in any of three  senses:
+
In human culture, hawks both have been admired for their power, vision, and hunting abilities and reviled by farmers for preying on livestock such as [[chicken]]s. Hawks and humans have had a particularly close relationship in the sport of [[falconry]], whereby humans hunted with trained hawks. This relationship is traced back at least to 2000 B.C.E. in [[Asia]], and flourished in [[Europe]] and the [[Middle East]] from 500 to 1600 C.E., used both for recreation and to provide food (Olsen 2004). While the custom continues in some cultures, it is no longer allowed in many nations, both for reasons of animal rights and conservation (Olsen 2004). While the modern era has seen the killing of many hawks, there is currently a greater concern for their conservation. Still, many hawks migrating through China, Europe, and elsewhere are shot, poisoned, or trapped with the goal of protecting livestock, or for medicine, food, or collecting purposes (eggs and specimens) (Olsen 2004).
  
* Strictly, to mean any of the [[species]] in the bird sub-family Accipitrinae  in the [[genus|genera]] ''[[Accipiter]]'', ''[[Micronisus]]'', ''[[Melierax]]'', ''[[Urotriorchis]]'', and ''[[Megatriorchis]]''. The large and widespread ''Accipiter'' genus includes [[goshawk]]s, [[sparrowhawk]]s <!-- this is a link to a disambiguation page which contains an appropriate list >, 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.
+
==Overview and description==
 +
Hawks, [[eagle]]s, [[kite (bird)|kites]], [[harrier (bird)|harriers]], and [[Old World vulture]]s are all part of the Accipitridae family, one of two major families within the order [[Falconiformes]], the diurnal [[bird of prey|birds of prey]]. Most other raptors, but not all, belong to the [[Falconidae]], or falcon family. In addition to skeletal differences, accripitrids differ from members of the other raptorial family in having well-developed nest-building behavior (versus poor or absent), forceful squirting of excreta (versus dropping of excreta), and yellow, red, or hazel eyes (versus brown) (Olsen 2004). The [[beak]]s of accipitrids are strong and hooked, and the base of the upper mandible is covered by a fleshy membrane called the ''cere,'' which is usually yellow in color.  
  
* More generally, to mean small to medium-sized birds that are members of the [[Accipitridae]], the family which includes the true hawks (Accipiters) and also [[eagle]]s, [[Kite (bird)|kite]]s, [[harrier (bird)|harrier]]s, [[buzzard]]s, and [[Old World vulture]]s.
+
The accipitrids have been variously divided into some two to ten [[subfamily|subfamilies]]. Olsen (2004) and ITIS (1999) recognize two subfamilies, Pandioniane (ospreys) and Accipitrinae (hawks, eagles, and allies). Where several subfamilies are recognized, some recognize Accipitrinae as limited to the genera whose members are known as hawks: ''Accipiter,'' ''[[Micronisus]],'' ''Melierax,'' ''[[Urotriorchis]],'' and ''[[Megatriorchis]]''.  
  
* Loosely, to mean almost any bird of prey.
+
The large and widespread genus ''Accipiter'', whose members sometimes are known as the "true hawks," includes [[goshawk]]s, [[sparrowhawk]]s, the [[sharp-shinned hawk]], and others. They are primarily [[woodland]] [[bird]]s that hunt by sudden dashes from a concealed perch, with long tails, broad wings and high visual acuity facilitating this lifestyle.  
 
The common names of birds in various parts of the world often use ''hawk'' loosely. For example, in [[North America]], the ''[[Buteo]]s'' are called "hawks".
 
  
In February [[2005]] the [[Canada|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.
+
The genus ''Buteo,'' which some place within Accipitrinae and some in the subfamily Buteoninae, includes medium-sized wide-ranging [[bird of prey|raptors]] with a robust body and broad wings. In the Old World, members of this genus are called "[[buzzard]]s," but "hawk" is used in [[North America]]. As both terms are ambiguous, "buteo" is sometimes used instead, such as by the [[Peregrine Fund]]. Examples of members of this genus with the name hawk in North America include the [[red-tailed hawk]] ''(Buteo jamaicensis)'', [[red-shouldered hawk]] ''(Buteo lineatus)'', [[broad-winged hawk]] ''(Buteo platypterus)'', [[Swainson's hawk]] ''(Buteo swainsoni)'', [[roadside hawk]] ''(Buteo magnirostris)'', and [[Ridgway's hawk]] ''(Buteo ridgwayi)''.
  
Hawks are believed to have vision as good as 20/2, about eight times more acute than humans with good eyesight. 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.
+
Hawks, including the accipitrines, are believed to have vision several times as sharp as that of the [[human]] species, in part because of the great number of [[photoreceptor]]s in their [[retina]]s (up to 1,000,000 per square millimeter for ''Buteo,'' against 200,000 for humans), a very high number of [[Neuron|nerve]]s connecting the receptors to the [[brain]], and an indented [[fovea]], which magnifies the central portion of the [[visual field]].
 +
 
 +
In February 2005, [[Canada|Canadian]] [[ornithologist]] [[Louis Lefebvre]] announced a method of measuring avian "IQ" in terms of their innovation in feeding habits (Lefebvre 2005). Hawks were named among the most intelligent birds based on his scale.
 +
 
 +
Hawks have a world-wide distribution with the exception of the [[Antarctic]]. In particular, ''Accipiter'' is extremely widespread and occurs on many islands and all continents except Antarctic (Olsen 2004). Goshawks and sparrowhawks ''(Accipiter)'' prefer forest and woodland.
 +
 
 +
===Behavior, diet, and reproduction===
 +
Hawks are generally active during the day, when their prey is most available. The majority of hawks are solitary. They vocalize mainly during the breeding season, to advertise and defend territories and for purposes of courtship and breeding. The range of calls is generally quite limited&mdash;usually repeated whistles, cackles, yelps, mews, barks, and so forth (Olsen 2004).
 +
 
 +
All hawks are carnivorous and eat mainly freshly caught prey, such as [[rodent]]s and [[fish]]. The crab hawk ''(Buteogallus aequinoctialis)'' feeds almost exclusively on [[crab]]s from coastal mangroves, while the white-necked hawk ''(Leucopternis lacernulata)'' specializes on [[insect]]s and only a few [[vertebrate]]s. The bat hawk ''(Macheiramphus alcinus)'' swallows [[bat]]s whole. Some of the goshawks and sparrowhawks are very swift and agile and can hunt in the air, capturing birds after pursuing in the woodland or forest. Smaller hawks feed more frequently than larger ones; sparrowhawks hunt at least daily (Olsen 2004).
 +
 
 +
Hawks typically are monogamous. All hawks build a nest of sticks that are lined with softer material, and most commonly are in trees or on a cliff. Eggs are oval, and generally are white with various colored markings (brown, red, purplish gray) (Olsen 2004).
 +
 
 +
==Species list==
 +
The following [[taxonomy]] recognizes five genera within Acciptrinae, rather than the more inclusive taxonomies of Olsen (2004) and ITIS (1999). Additional species outside of these taxonomic groups may also have the common name "hawk."
  
===Species list===
 
This list is in taxonomic order to show the relationships between species.
 
 
* '''Subfamily Accipitrinae'''
 
* '''Subfamily Accipitrinae'''
** '''Genus ''[[Accipiter]]'' '''
+
** '''Genus ''Accipiter'' '''
*** [[Goshawk]], ''A. gentilis''
+
*** [[Northern goshawk]], ''A. gentilis''
*** [[Eurasian Sparrowhawk]], ''A. nisus''
+
*** [[Eurasian sparrowhawk]], ''A. nisus''
*** [[Grey-bellied Goshawk]], ''A. poliogaster''
+
*** [[Grey-bellied goshawk]], ''A. poliogaster''
*** [[Crested Goshawk]], ''A. trivirgatus''
+
*** [[Crested goshawk]], ''A. trivirgatus''
*** [[Sulawesi Goshawk]], ''A. griseiceps''
+
*** [[Sulawesi goshawk]], ''A. griseiceps''
*** [[Red-chested Goshawk]], ''A. toussenelii''
+
*** [[Red-chested goshawk]], ''A. toussenelii''
*** [[African Goshawk]], ''A. tachiro''
+
*** [[African goshawk]], ''A. tachiro''
*** [[Chinese Goshawk]], ''A. soloensis''
+
*** [[Chinese goshawk]], ''A. soloensis''
*** [[Frances's Sparrowhawk]], ''A. francesii''
+
*** [[Frances's sparrowhawk]], ''A. francesii''
*** [[Spot-tailed Goshawk]], ''A. trinotatus''
+
*** [[Spot-tailed goshawk]], ''A. trinotatus''
*** [[Grey Goshawk]], ''A. novaehollandiae''
+
*** [[Grey goshawk]], ''A. novaehollandiae''
*** [[Brown Goshawk]], ''A. fasciatus''
+
*** [[Brown goshawk]], ''A. fasciatus''
*** [[Black-mantled Goshawk]], ''A. melanochlamys''
+
*** [[Pied goshawk]], ''A. albogularis''
*** [[Pied Goshawk]], ''A. albogularis''
+
*** [[Fiji goshawk]], ''A. rufitorques''
*** [[Fiji Goshawk]], ''A. rufitorques''
+
*** [[White-bellied goshawk]], ''A. haplochrous''
*** [[White-bellied Goshawk]], ''A. haplochrous''
+
*** [[Moluccan goshawk]], ''A. henicogrammus''
*** [[Moluccan Goshawk]], ''A. henicogrammus''
+
*** [[Grey-headed goshawk]], ''A. poliocephalus''
*** [[Grey-headed Goshawk]], ''A. poliocephalus''
+
*** [[New Britain goshawk]], ''A. princeps''
*** [[New Britain Goshawk]], ''A. princeps''
+
*** [[Henst's goshawk]], ''A. henstii''
*** [[Black Goshawk]], ''A. melanoleucus''
+
*** [[Meyer's goshawk]], ''A. meyerianus''
*** [[Henst's Goshawk]], ''A. henstii''
+
*** [[Black goshawk]], ''A. melanoleucus''
*** [[Meyer's Goshawk]], ''A. meyerianus''
+
*** [[Chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk]], ''A. castanilius''
*** [[Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk]], ''A. castanilius''
+
*** [[Nicobar sparrowhawk]], ''A. butleri''
*** [[Nicobar Sparrowhawk]], ''A. butleri''
+
*** [[Levant sparrowhawk]], ''A. brevipes''
*** [[Levant Sparrowhawk]], ''A. brevipes''
+
*** [[Slaty-mantled sparrowhawk]], ''A. luteoschistaceus''   
*** [[Slaty-mantled Sparrowhawk]], ''A. luteoschistaceus''   
+
*** [[Imitator sparrowhawk]], ''A. imitator''
*** [[Imitator Sparrowhawk]], ''A. imitator''
+
*** [[Red-thighed sparrowhawk]], ''A. erythropus''
*** [[Red-thighed Sparrowhawk]], ''A. erythropus''
+
*** [[Little sparrowhawk]], ''A. minullus''  
*** [[Little Sparrowhawk]], ''A. minullus''  
+
*** [[Japanese sparrowhawk]], ''A. gularis''
*** [[Japanese Sparrowhawk]], ''A. gularis''
+
*** [[Small sparrowhawk]], ''A. nanus''
*** [[Small Sparrowhawk]], ''A. nanus''
+
*** [[Rufous-necked sparrowhawk]], ''A. erythrauchen''
*** [[Rufous-necked Sparrowhawk]], ''A. erythrauchen''
+
*** [[Collared sparrowhawk]], ''A. cirrocephalus''
*** [[Collared Sparrowhawk]], ''A. cirrocephalus''
+
*** [[New Britain sparrowhawk]], ''A. brachyurus''
*** [[New Britain Sparrowhawk]], ''A. brachyurus''
+
*** [[Vinous-breasted sparrowhawk]], ''A. rhodogaster''
*** [[Vinous-breasted Sparrowhawk]], ''A. rhodogaster''
+
*** [[Madagascar sparrowhawk]], ''A. madagascariensis''
*** [[Madagascar Sparrowhawk]], ''A. madagascariensis''
+
*** [[Ovampo sparrowhawk]], ''A. ovampensis''
*** [[Ovampo Sparrowhawk]], ''A. ovampensis''
+
*** [[Rufous-chested sparrowhawk]], ''A. rufiventris''
*** [[Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk]], ''A. rufiventris''
 
 
*** [[Shikra]], ''A. badius''
 
*** [[Shikra]], ''A. badius''
*** [[Tiny Hawk]], ''A. superciliosus''
+
*** [[Tiny hawk]], ''A. superciliosus''
*** [[Semicollared Hawk]], ''A. collaris''
+
*** [[Semicollared hawk]], ''A. collaris''
*** [[Sharp-shinned Hawk]], ''A. striatus''
+
*** [[Sharp-shinned hawk]], ''A. striatus''
*** [[White-breasted Hawk]], ''A. chionogaster''
+
*** [[White-breasted hawk]], ''A. chionogaster''
*** [[Plain-breasted Hawk]], ''A. ventralis''
+
*** [[Plain-breasted hawk]], ''A. ventralis''
*** [[Rufous-thighed Hawk]], ''A. erythronemius''
+
*** [[Rufous-thighed hawk]], ''A. erythronemius''
*** [[Cooper's Hawk]], ''A. cooperii''
+
*** [[Cooper's hawk]], ''A. cooperii''
*** [[Gundlach's Hawk]], ''A. gundlachi''
+
*** [[Gundlach's hawk]], ''A. gundlachi''
*** [[Bicoloured Hawk]], ''A. bicolor''
+
*** [[Bicoloured hawk]], ''A. bicolor''
 
*** [[Besra]], ''A. virgatus''
 
*** [[Besra]], ''A. virgatus''
** '''Genus ''Micronisus'' '''
+
** '''Genus ''Melierax'' '''
*** [[Gabar Goshawk]], ''M. gabar''
+
*** [[Gabar goshawk]], ''M. gabar''
** '''Genus ''[[Melierax]]'' '''
+
*** [[Dark chanting goshawk]], ''M. metabates''
*** [[Dark Chanting Goshawk]], ''M. metabates''
+
*** [[Eastern chanting goshawk]], ''M. poliopterus''
*** [[Eastern Chanting Goshawk]], ''M. poliopterus''
+
*** [[Pale chanting goshawk]], ''M. canorus''
*** [[Pale Chanting Goshawk]], ''M. canorus''
 
 
** '''Genus ''Urotriorchis'' '''
 
** '''Genus ''Urotriorchis'' '''
*** [[Long-tailed Hawk]], ''U. macrourus''
+
*** Long-tailed hawk, ''U. macrourus''
** '''Genus ''[[Erythrotriorchis]]'' '''
+
** '''Genus ''Erythrotriorchis'' '''
*** [[Red Goshawk]], ''E. radiatus''
+
*** [[Red goshawk]], ''E. radiatus''
*** [[Chestnut-shouldered Goshawk]], ''E. buergersi''
+
*** [[Chestnut-shouldered goshawk]], ''E. buergersi''
 
** '''Genus ''Megatriorchis'' '''  
 
** '''Genus ''Megatriorchis'' '''  
*** [[Doria's Goshawk]], ''Megatriorchis doriae''
+
*** Doria's goshawk, ''M. doriae''
 
* '''Subfamily [[Buteoninae]]'''
 
* '''Subfamily [[Buteoninae]]'''
 
** '''Genus ''[[Parabuteo]]'' '''
 
** '''Genus ''[[Parabuteo]]'' '''
*** [[Harris's Hawk]], ''P. unicinctus''
+
*** [[Harris's hawk]], ''P. unicinctus''
 
** '''Genus ''[[Buteogallus]]'' '''
 
** '''Genus ''[[Buteogallus]]'' '''
*** [[Common Black Hawk]], ''Buteogallus anthracinus''  
+
*** [[Common black hawk]], ''Buteogallus anthracinus''  
*** [[Mangrove Black Hawk]], ''Buteogallus subtilis''  
+
*** [[Mangrove black hawk]], ''Buteogallus subtilis''  
*** [[Great Black Hawk]], ''Buteogallus urubitinga''  
+
*** [[Great black hawk]], ''Buteogallus urubitinga''  
*** [[Rufous crab Hawk]], ''Buteogallus aequinoctialis''  
+
*** [[Rufous crab hawk]], ''Buteogallus aequinoctialis''  
*** [[Savanna Hawk]], ''Buteogallus meridionalis''
+
*** [[Savanna hawk]], ''Buteogallus meridionalis''
 
** '''Genus ''Busarellus'' '''
 
** '''Genus ''Busarellus'' '''
*** [[Black-collared Hawk]], ''Busarellus nigricollis''
+
*** [[Black-collared hawk]], ''Busarellus nigricollis''
 
** '''Genus ''[[Leucopternis]]'' '''
 
** '''Genus ''[[Leucopternis]]'' '''
*** [[Plumbeous Hawk]], ''Leucopternis plumbea''  
+
*** [[Plumbeous hawk]], ''Leucopternis plumbea''  
*** [[Slate-coloured Hawk]], ''Leucopternis schistacea''  
+
*** [[Slate-coloured hawk]], ''Leucopternis schistacea''  
*** [[Barred Hawk]], ''Leucopternis princeps''  
+
*** [[Barred hawk]], ''Leucopternis princeps''  
*** [[Black-faced Hawk]], ''Leucopternis melanops''  
+
*** [[Black-faced hawk]], ''Leucopternis melanops''  
*** [[White-browed Hawk]], ''Leucopternis kuhli''  
+
*** [[White-browed hawk]], ''Leucopternis kuhli''  
*** [[White-necked Hawk]], ''Leucopternis lacernulata''  
+
*** [[White-necked hawk]], ''Leucopternis lacernulata''  
*** [[Semiplumbeous Hawk]], ''Leucopternis semiplumbea''  
+
*** [[Semiplumbeous hawk]], ''Leucopternis semiplumbea''  
*** [[White Hawk]], ''Leucopternis albicollis''  
+
*** [[White hawk]], ''Leucopternis albicollis''  
*** [[Grey-backed Hawk]], ''Leucopternis occidentalis''  
+
*** [[Grey-backed hawk]], ''Leucopternis occidentalis''  
*** [[Mantled Hawk]], ''Leucopternis polionota''
+
*** [[Mantled hawk]], ''Leucopternis polionota''
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**'''Genus ''Buteo'' '''
 +
*** [[Common buzzard]], ''Buteo buteo''
 +
*** [[Red-tailed hawk]], ''Buteo jamaicensis''
 +
*** [[Long-legged buzzard]], ''Buteo rufinus''
 +
*** [[Rough-legged buzzard]], ''Buteo lagopus''
 +
*** [[Ferruginous hawk]], ''Buteo regalis''
 +
*** [[Red-shouldered hawk]], ''Buteo lineatus''
 +
*** [[Broad-winged hawk]], ''Buteo platypterus''
 +
*** [[Swainson's hawk]], ''Buteo swainsoni''
 +
*** [[Roadside hawk]], ''Buteo magnirostris''
 +
*** [[Ridgway's hawk]], ''Buteo ridgwayi''
 +
*** [[White-rumped hawk]], ''Buteo leucorrhous''
 +
*** [[Short-tailed hawk]], ''Buteo brachyurus''
 +
*** [[White-throated hawk]], ''Buteo albigula''
 +
*** [[White-tailed hawk]], ''Buteo albicaudatus''
 +
*** [[Galápagos hawk]], ''Buteo galapagoensis''
 +
*** [[Red-backed hawk]], ''Buteo polyosoma''
 +
*** [[Puna hawk]], ''Buteo poecilochrous''
 +
***[[Grey-lined hawk]], ''Buteo nitidus'' - formerly in ''Asturina''
 +
**** Grey hawk, ''Buteo nitidus plagiatus''
 +
*** [[Zone-tailed hawk]], ''Buteo albonotatus''
 +
*** [[Hawaiian hawk]], ''Buteo solitarius''
 +
*** [[Rufous-tailed hawk]], ''Buteo ventralis''
 +
*** [[Mountain buzzard]], ''Buteo oreophilus''
 +
*** [[Madagascar buzzard]], ''Buteo brachypterus''
 +
*** [[Upland buzzard]], ''Buteo hemilasius''
 +
*** [[Red-necked buzzard]], ''Buteo auguralis''
 +
*** [[Jackal buzzard]], ''Buteo rufofuscus''
  
== Hawks and humans ==
+
==References==
*Hawks are sometimes used in [[falconry]], a sport in which trained hawks, [[eagle]]s or [[falcon]]s, are used to pursue and catch small game.
+
* Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). 1998. [http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=175280 Accipitridae.] ''Taxonomic Serial No.: 175280''. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
*In the US, hawks are sometimes shot for sport or by ranchers who believe the birds may depredate livestock. This makes hawk [[conservation]] an issue in some areas. In other parts of the world, most hawk species are protected by law
+
* Lefebvre, L. 2005. [http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-02/nsae-bit021605.php Bird IQ test takes flight.] ''Eurekalert'' February 21, 2005. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
 +
* Olsen, P. 2004. Accipitridae. In B. Grzimek, D. G. Kleiman, V. Geist, and M. C. McDade, ''Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia.'' Detroit: Thomson-Gale. ISBN 0307394913.
 +
* Thiollay, J. M. 1994. Family Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles). In J. del Hoyo, A. Elliot, and J. Sargatal (eds.), ''Handbook of the Birds of the World, Volume 2: New World Vultures to Guineafowl''. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 8487334156.
  
==External links==
 
*[http://ibc.hbw.com/ibc/phtml/familia.phtml?idFamilia=30 Hawk videos] on the Internet Bird Collection
 
*[http://www.clevenash.com/ Hawk photos] taken on the central coast of California.
 
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]
{{credit|133369504}}
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[[Category:Birds]]
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{{credit|Hawk|242174457|Accipitrinae|230938760|Buteo|240534142}}

Latest revision as of 18:17, 16 October 2008

Hawks
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Subfamily: Accipitrinae
Genera
  • Accipiter
  • Micronisus
  • Melierax
  • Urotriorchis
  • Erythrotriorchis

Hawk is the common name for various small to medium-sized diurnal birds of prey in the family Accipitridae of the bird order Falconiformes, characterized by a short, hooked bill, curved and sharp talons, and keen eyesight, and smaller size than the eagles of the same family. More specifically, the "true hawks" are considered any of those long-tailed birds with short, rounded wings that comprise the Accipitridae genus Accipiter (goshawks and sparrowhawks) or sometimes those belonging to both Accipiter and Melierax (chanting goshawks) (Olsen 2004). Broader still, as commonly used in Europe and Asia, the term "hawk" refers strictly to any of the species in the genera Accipiter, Micronisus, Melierax, Urotriorchis, or Megatriorchis, all of which belong to the Accipitrinae subfamily. However, the term hawk also is used as part of the common name for many other birds in the Falconiformes, such as many members in the genus Buteo (for example, red-tailed hawk, B. jamaicensis).

In human culture, hawks both have been admired for their power, vision, and hunting abilities and reviled by farmers for preying on livestock such as chickens. Hawks and humans have had a particularly close relationship in the sport of falconry, whereby humans hunted with trained hawks. This relationship is traced back at least to 2000 B.C.E. in Asia, and flourished in Europe and the Middle East from 500 to 1600 C.E., used both for recreation and to provide food (Olsen 2004). While the custom continues in some cultures, it is no longer allowed in many nations, both for reasons of animal rights and conservation (Olsen 2004). While the modern era has seen the killing of many hawks, there is currently a greater concern for their conservation. Still, many hawks migrating through China, Europe, and elsewhere are shot, poisoned, or trapped with the goal of protecting livestock, or for medicine, food, or collecting purposes (eggs and specimens) (Olsen 2004).

Overview and description

Hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures are all part of the Accipitridae family, one of two major families within the order Falconiformes, the diurnal birds of prey. Most other raptors, but not all, belong to the Falconidae, or falcon family. In addition to skeletal differences, accripitrids differ from members of the other raptorial family in having well-developed nest-building behavior (versus poor or absent), forceful squirting of excreta (versus dropping of excreta), and yellow, red, or hazel eyes (versus brown) (Olsen 2004). The beaks of accipitrids are strong and hooked, and the base of the upper mandible is covered by a fleshy membrane called the cere, which is usually yellow in color.

The accipitrids have been variously divided into some two to ten subfamilies. Olsen (2004) and ITIS (1999) recognize two subfamilies, Pandioniane (ospreys) and Accipitrinae (hawks, eagles, and allies). Where several subfamilies are recognized, some recognize Accipitrinae as limited to the genera whose members are known as hawks: Accipiter, Micronisus, Melierax, Urotriorchis, and Megatriorchis.

The large and widespread genus Accipiter, whose members sometimes are known as the "true hawks," includes goshawks, sparrowhawks, the sharp-shinned hawk, and others. They are primarily woodland birds that hunt by sudden dashes from a concealed perch, with long tails, broad wings and high visual acuity facilitating this lifestyle.

The genus Buteo, which some place within Accipitrinae and some in the subfamily Buteoninae, includes medium-sized wide-ranging raptors with a robust body and broad wings. In the Old World, members of this genus are called "buzzards," but "hawk" is used in North America. As both terms are ambiguous, "buteo" is sometimes used instead, such as by the Peregrine Fund. Examples of members of this genus with the name hawk in North America include the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus), Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni), roadside hawk (Buteo magnirostris), and Ridgway's hawk (Buteo ridgwayi).

Hawks, including the accipitrines, are believed to have vision several times as sharp as that of the human species, in part because of the great number of photoreceptors in their retinas (up to 1,000,000 per square millimeter for Buteo, against 200,000 for humans), a very high number of nerves connecting the receptors to the brain, and an indented fovea, which magnifies the central portion of the visual field.

In February 2005, Canadian ornithologist Louis Lefebvre announced a method of measuring avian "IQ" in terms of their innovation in feeding habits (Lefebvre 2005). Hawks were named among the most intelligent birds based on his scale.

Hawks have a world-wide distribution with the exception of the Antarctic. In particular, Accipiter is extremely widespread and occurs on many islands and all continents except Antarctic (Olsen 2004). Goshawks and sparrowhawks (Accipiter) prefer forest and woodland.

Behavior, diet, and reproduction

Hawks are generally active during the day, when their prey is most available. The majority of hawks are solitary. They vocalize mainly during the breeding season, to advertise and defend territories and for purposes of courtship and breeding. The range of calls is generally quite limited—usually repeated whistles, cackles, yelps, mews, barks, and so forth (Olsen 2004).

All hawks are carnivorous and eat mainly freshly caught prey, such as rodents and fish. The crab hawk (Buteogallus aequinoctialis) feeds almost exclusively on crabs from coastal mangroves, while the white-necked hawk (Leucopternis lacernulata) specializes on insects and only a few vertebrates. The bat hawk (Macheiramphus alcinus) swallows bats whole. Some of the goshawks and sparrowhawks are very swift and agile and can hunt in the air, capturing birds after pursuing in the woodland or forest. Smaller hawks feed more frequently than larger ones; sparrowhawks hunt at least daily (Olsen 2004).

Hawks typically are monogamous. All hawks build a nest of sticks that are lined with softer material, and most commonly are in trees or on a cliff. Eggs are oval, and generally are white with various colored markings (brown, red, purplish gray) (Olsen 2004).

Species list

The following taxonomy recognizes five genera within Acciptrinae, rather than the more inclusive taxonomies of Olsen (2004) and ITIS (1999). Additional species outside of these taxonomic groups may also have the common name "hawk."

  • Subfamily Accipitrinae
    • Genus Accipiter
      • Northern goshawk, A. gentilis
      • Eurasian sparrowhawk, A. nisus
      • Grey-bellied goshawk, A. poliogaster
      • Crested goshawk, A. trivirgatus
      • Sulawesi goshawk, A. griseiceps
      • Red-chested goshawk, A. toussenelii
      • African goshawk, A. tachiro
      • Chinese goshawk, A. soloensis
      • Frances's sparrowhawk, A. francesii
      • Spot-tailed goshawk, A. trinotatus
      • Grey goshawk, A. novaehollandiae
      • Brown goshawk, A. fasciatus
      • Pied goshawk, A. albogularis
      • Fiji goshawk, A. rufitorques
      • White-bellied goshawk, A. haplochrous
      • Moluccan goshawk, A. henicogrammus
      • Grey-headed goshawk, A. poliocephalus
      • New Britain goshawk, A. princeps
      • Henst's goshawk, A. henstii
      • Meyer's goshawk, A. meyerianus
      • Black goshawk, A. melanoleucus
      • Chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk, A. castanilius
      • Nicobar sparrowhawk, A. butleri
      • Levant sparrowhawk, A. brevipes
      • Slaty-mantled sparrowhawk, A. luteoschistaceus
      • Imitator sparrowhawk, A. imitator
      • Red-thighed sparrowhawk, A. erythropus
      • Little sparrowhawk, A. minullus
      • Japanese sparrowhawk, A. gularis
      • Small sparrowhawk, A. nanus
      • Rufous-necked sparrowhawk, A. erythrauchen
      • Collared sparrowhawk, A. cirrocephalus
      • New Britain sparrowhawk, A. brachyurus
      • Vinous-breasted sparrowhawk, A. rhodogaster
      • Madagascar sparrowhawk, A. madagascariensis
      • Ovampo sparrowhawk, A. ovampensis
      • Rufous-chested sparrowhawk, A. rufiventris
      • Shikra, A. badius
      • Tiny hawk, A. superciliosus
      • Semicollared hawk, A. collaris
      • Sharp-shinned hawk, A. striatus
      • White-breasted hawk, A. chionogaster
      • Plain-breasted hawk, A. ventralis
      • Rufous-thighed hawk, A. erythronemius
      • Cooper's hawk, A. cooperii
      • Gundlach's hawk, A. gundlachi
      • Bicoloured hawk, A. bicolor
      • Besra, A. virgatus
    • Genus Melierax
      • Gabar goshawk, M. gabar
      • Dark chanting goshawk, M. metabates
      • Eastern chanting goshawk, M. poliopterus
      • Pale chanting goshawk, M. canorus
    • Genus Urotriorchis
      • Long-tailed hawk, U. macrourus
    • Genus Erythrotriorchis
      • Red goshawk, E. radiatus
      • Chestnut-shouldered goshawk, E. buergersi
    • Genus Megatriorchis
      • Doria's goshawk, M. doriae
  • Subfamily Buteoninae
    • Genus Parabuteo
      • Harris's hawk, P. unicinctus
    • Genus Buteogallus
      • Common black hawk, Buteogallus anthracinus
      • Mangrove black hawk, Buteogallus subtilis
      • Great black hawk, Buteogallus urubitinga
      • Rufous crab hawk, Buteogallus aequinoctialis
      • Savanna hawk, Buteogallus meridionalis
    • Genus Busarellus
      • Black-collared hawk, Busarellus nigricollis
    • Genus Leucopternis
      • Plumbeous hawk, Leucopternis plumbea
      • Slate-coloured hawk, Leucopternis schistacea
      • Barred hawk, Leucopternis princeps
      • Black-faced hawk, Leucopternis melanops
      • White-browed hawk, Leucopternis kuhli
      • White-necked hawk, Leucopternis lacernulata
      • Semiplumbeous hawk, Leucopternis semiplumbea
      • White hawk, Leucopternis albicollis
      • Grey-backed hawk, Leucopternis occidentalis
      • Mantled hawk, Leucopternis polionota
    • Genus Buteo
      • Common buzzard, Buteo buteo
      • Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis
      • Long-legged buzzard, Buteo rufinus
      • Rough-legged buzzard, Buteo lagopus
      • Ferruginous hawk, Buteo regalis
      • Red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus
      • Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus
      • Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni
      • Roadside hawk, Buteo magnirostris
      • Ridgway's hawk, Buteo ridgwayi
      • White-rumped hawk, Buteo leucorrhous
      • Short-tailed hawk, Buteo brachyurus
      • White-throated hawk, Buteo albigula
      • White-tailed hawk, Buteo albicaudatus
      • Galápagos hawk, Buteo galapagoensis
      • Red-backed hawk, Buteo polyosoma
      • Puna hawk, Buteo poecilochrous
      • Grey-lined hawk, Buteo nitidus - formerly in Asturina
        • Grey hawk, Buteo nitidus plagiatus
      • Zone-tailed hawk, Buteo albonotatus
      • Hawaiian hawk, Buteo solitarius
      • Rufous-tailed hawk, Buteo ventralis
      • Mountain buzzard, Buteo oreophilus
      • Madagascar buzzard, Buteo brachypterus
      • Upland buzzard, Buteo hemilasius
      • Red-necked buzzard, Buteo auguralis
      • Jackal buzzard, Buteo rufofuscus

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). 1998. Accipitridae. Taxonomic Serial No.: 175280. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  • Lefebvre, L. 2005. Bird IQ test takes flight. Eurekalert February 21, 2005. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  • Olsen, P. 2004. Accipitridae. In B. Grzimek, D. G. Kleiman, V. Geist, and M. C. McDade, Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia. Detroit: Thomson-Gale. ISBN 0307394913.
  • Thiollay, J. M. 1994. Family Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles). In J. del Hoyo, A. Elliot, and J. Sargatal (eds.), Handbook of the Birds of the World, Volume 2: New World Vultures to Guineafowl. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 8487334156.

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