Sharp Shinned Hawk

Description:

The Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) is a small hawk. In fact, "sharp-shins" or "sharpies" (as they are sometimes casually called) are the smallest to reside in USA and Canada, though some Neotropical species are smaller (notably the aptly named Tiny Hawk). The taxonomy is far from resolved, with some authorities considering the southern taxa three separate species: White-breasted Hawk (A. chionogaster), Plain-breasted Hawk (A. ventralis) and Rufous-thighed Hawk (A. erythronemius). See taxonomy for further on this. (From Wikipedia)

Habitat:

This Sharp Shinned Hawk showed up on my deck railing on Christmas Eve. From what I understand Sharp Shinned Hawks are usually found in wooded areas in Northern Arizona rather than on the foothills of South Mountain in Phoenix. Most likely Sharpie was attracted by the finches, sparrows, and curved billed trashers that frequent the feeder in my backyard.

Notes:

Sadly, on 12 February 2012, I found Sharpie's body near the alley gate at the front of my house. It appeared that he/she had been dead for some time. Sharpie's demise might have been the result of trying, unsuccessfully, to fly through my living room window about a month ago.