Sharp-shinned Hawk Calls (2 Sounds w/ AUDIO!)
During most of the year, Sharp-shinned Hawks are silent, and you can’t hear their calls. But during the breeding season, they become quite vocal! It’s common to hear them in residential areas since they are commonly seen near bird feeders hunting birds.
Below, you are going to learn TWO sounds that Sharp-shinned Hawks (Accipiter striatus) make. Ok, let’s get started!
Sharp-shinned Hawk Calls:
- Make sure to press PLAY on the audio files below. 🙂
Sound #1: “kik-kik-kik-kik”
The most common sound is a shrill, high-pitched “kik-kik-kik” call. Both sexes make this sound during courtship and as an alarm call near the nest. Due to their smaller size, males generally sound higher pitched than females.
Sound #2: The flying squeal
The second call that Sharp-shinned Hawks make is a sharp, single-note squeal. This squealing noise is typically given while in flight. Mated pairs also use this single-note call to keep in contact with their partner.
Similar Sounds:
A Sharp-shinned Hawk is sometimes confused with a Cooper’s Hawk. If you listen closely, a Sharp Shinned Hawk is higher pitched, whereas a Cooper’s Hawk is lower and sounds like “kak-kak-kak” instead of “kik-kik-kik.” You can listen to a Cooper’s Hawk here to compare.
Watch the short video below to hear more examples of the calls, sounds, and noises from a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Have you ever heard the calls and sounds of a Sharp-shinned Hawk before?
If so, please let us know below!