A large group of raptors belonging to the order Falconiformes are collectively referred to as hawks. There are about 270 different species of hawks, with the exception of Antarctica. Hawks can be found in a variety of environments, including marshes, forests, rainforests, prairies, open savannas, grasslands, mountains, and coastal areas. Because chemical pollution causes the eggs of some hawk species to be destroyed, including the Cooper’s hawk, these species are in danger of extinction. The destruction of nesting sites, excessive hunting, and collisions with moving vehicles are additional factors that affect hawk survival in the wild.
The size of hawks varies depending on the species. The American Kestrel, the smallest hawk, only weighs 4 ounces. The Ferruginous Hawk, the largest hawk, can weigh up to 5 pounds. Men are generally smaller than women.
A rough-legged hawk, for example, can grow to a length of 22 inches and a wingspan of 55 inches.
Sharp talons, a big, curved bill, and strong legs define hawks. The prey is bit and torn apart by the sharp bill.
Hawks have very good vision. They have eight times the vision of humans. Hunting is the main application for eyesight. A hawk can locate its prey from 100 feet away.
Hawks can distinguish between different colors, unlike many other animals.
Hawks can dive through the air at a speed of 150 miles per hour while hunting. Both on the ground and in the air, they can capture a prey.
Hawks are diurnal creatures (they are active during the day).
Hawks are flexible feeders. This implies that they hunt and consume whatever is offered. The majority of their prey includes frogs, insects, squirrels, rats, snakes, rabbits, and smaller birds.
Hawks of a particular species are migratory birds. When the temperature drops, they can travel more than a thousand miles annually from their nesting areas to their feeding areas.
Hawks mate at various times of the year, depending on their species and habitat. The majority of hawks breed at the end of winter or the beginning of spring.
The animal hawks are monogamous (one couple mate for a lifetime). If one partner passes away, the other will find a new partner for mating.
Mating is preceded by a spectacular aerial dance. Male performs a series of aerial acrobatics for up to 10 minutes.
Hawks use the twigs and branches to construct their nests on the trees. Hawks that reside in marshes construct ground nests.
Smaller hawk species lay three to five eggs, whereas larger hawk species only lay one or two. Hawks that are young grow quickly.
While larger species take 11 weeks to fully mature, smaller species can reach adult size in just one month.
In the wild, hawks typically live between 13 and 20 years. In captivity, hawks can live for over 20 years.
