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Sharp-shinned Hawk
Adult--Upper parts bluish slate colour; tail, which is square, is gray, barred with blackish brown; under parts barred with white, buff, and rusty brown. Length--Male, 11.25; Female, 13.50.
Breeding Range--Throughout the Eastern States.
The nest of sticks and twigs is placed in a crotch, or against the tree trunk, at a height of from ten to sixty feet. The tree selected varies according to locality; in some places pines are most often chosen, but oak, birch, or dead trees are also used; the nest is rarely in cavities or on ledges of rock. The eggs, numbering from 3 to 5 or 6, are white, tinged with green, blue, or gray, "sometimes unmarked," but usually spotted, blotched, clouded, and streaked with various shades of browns, rust colour, chocolate, and lilac. Size--1.50 x 1.16.
The nesting season begins from early in April to early in June, according to locality.