_Accipiter velox. Case 1, Figs. 11, 12; Case 3, Figs. 7, 8_
The sexes differ only in size, the female being
much the larger. There is a marked difference in
color between adult and immature birds, the latter
being more commonly seen. L. male, 11-1/4; female,
13-1/2.
_Range._ North America; wintering from
Massachusetts southward.
Washington, common P.R. Ossining, common P.R.
Cambridge, common T.V., Apl. 3-May 11; Sept.
5-Oct. 25; rare S.R., uncommon W.V. N. Ohio, not
common P.R., a few winter. Glen Ellyn, not common
S.R., Mch. 19-Dec. 9. SE. Minn., common S.R., Mch.
28-Dec 28.
This small, bird-killing Hawk dashes recklessly after its victims,
following them through thick cover. It is less often seen in the open
than the Sparrow Hawk, which it resembles in size, but from which it may
be known by its different color, longer tail, and much shorter wings. It
nests in trees 15-40 feet from the ground. The eggs, 3-6 in number, are
bluish white or cream, marked with brown and are laid in May.
[Illustration: SHARP-SHINNED HAWK.