![]() ![]() Their primary source of prey for these birds is small mammals like squirrels and rabbits. However, because of their habitat being destroyed, they are slowly being seen in suburban areas that meet woodlands. With hunting, these birds favor wooded areas away from humans. They also have very strong banding across their tail and mostly white underwings. They have red shoulders that are visible when perched and while flying. If you are looking for markings, these hawks have one very distinctive feature. They are seen year-round in the southern half of the state and only in the north half during breeding season. For Michigan, it is like most hawks on this list. Here is the Red-shouldered Hawk, which can be found in most parts of the eastern United States and coastal areas of California. Red-shouldered Hawk Image Credit: wdidom, Pixabay Copper’s are larger, but that difference can’t easily be seen if the birds are flying.Ĥ. The easiest way to tell the difference is size. They have the same markings, including the little black cap on the top of the head. ![]() Thanks to the smaller area, their prey is now easier than ever to find.Ĭooper’s look almost identical to the Sharp-shinned hawk. While most hawks have been hurt by the destruction of habitat, the Cooper Hawk isn’t. Many people dislike this hawk for taking the songbirds, but they are a sight to see. ![]() Most of this species will stay in the southern half or head all the way to Northern Mexico to breed.īecause these hawks are incredibly athletic, they can often be seen in backyards around bird feeders. This bird if seen all year through the southern part of Michigan while only seen in the north half during breeding season. Cooper’s Hawk Image Credit: bryanhanson1956, PixabayĪt the third smallest hawk there is the Cooper’s Hawk. Females are going to be larger than males by a considerable amount.ģ. ![]() You’ll know it is the sharp-shinned hawk by the bars of orange on their upper chest that fades at the belly and the bluish-gray back and wings. For dinner time they prefer song birds, which if you have a bird feeder you’ve probably heard the warning calls before one of them gets swooped away. They are also incredibly athletic birds that dive and swoop down to catch their prey. When they fly, they use a flap and glide method. When it comes to identifying this bird, they stand out with their distinctive method of flying. During migration, you can see these birds throughout the United States as they head towards the breeding grounds. These are a year-round resident to the state but primarily use the northern tip for breeding. Sharp-shinned Hawk Image Credit: fergyn6ssq, PixabayĬoming in at the smallest hawk species in Michigan, we have the Sharp-shinned hawk. However, some hawks on this list are losing their habitat because of deforestation.ġ. Known for their hunting skills and agility, they soar the skies with ease. So on balance, as long as chicks and bantams in particular are kept safe, members of the crow family are not bad to have around.Hawks are majestic creatures, and Michigan is home to eight of them year-round. On the positive side, they also eat a large variety of insects, many of which are destructive to plants and vegetables. Their reputation as killers of larger mammals comes from often being seen beside a carcass. They will certainly eat small mammals, including bantam chickens and chicks, and they'll take advantage of any prey left behind by others. If disturbed, they may well return later to finish their meal. So they'll generally be found eating it on the spot, and they will avoid places where they're likely to be disturbed. They will kill by tearing into flesh with their beaks which, although nothing like as dangerous as an eagle's bill, are pointed and dangerous.īut unlike birds of prey, they don't have the talons needed in order to carry off their prey. Like most birds of prey, they're opportunists, so they'll eat whatever comes their way and is fairly easy to find. ![]()
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