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Definition
A genus of the Family Accipitridae considered to be “true” hawks including 48 different species, many of which are goshawks and “sparrowhawks.”
Introduction
Accipiters, or “true” hawks, have a variety of characteristics that separate them from other genera within the Family Accipitridae. There are 48 different species within the genus and include Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii), Sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus), Northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), Eurasian sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus), and many others. Though empirical studies of Accipiter hawks are limited, previous research has shown fascinating morphological and behavioral characteristics that maximize survival and fitness in this group of species.
Habitat and Populations of Accipiters
The three common Accipiters of North America include Northern Goshawks, Cooper’s hawks, and Sharp-shinned hawks. Northern Goshawks are listed by the US...
References
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Boggie, M. A., Mannan, R. W., & Wissler, C. (2015). Perennial pair bonds in an Accipiter: A behavioral response to an urbanized landscape. Journal of Raptor Research, 49(4), 458–470.
Eldegard, K., Selås, V., Sonerud, G. A., Steel, C., & Rafoss, T. (2003). The effect of parent sex on prey deliveries to fledgling Eurasion Sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus. Ibis, 145(4), 667–672.
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Rosenfield, R. N., & Sobolik, L. E. (2017). Unusual timing of alternative nest building by an urban Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii). Journal of Raptor Research, 51(4), 483–484.
Rosenfield, R. N., Lamers, D., Evans, D. L., Evans, M., & Cava, J. A. (2011). Shift to later timing by autumnal migrating sharp-shinned hawks. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 123(1), 154–158.
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Roth, T. C., & Lima, S. L. (2007b). The predatory behavior of wintering Accipiter hawks: Temporal patterns in activity of predators and prey. Oecologia, 152, 169–178.
Woltmann, S., & Cimprich, D. (2003). Effect of weather on autumn hawk movements at Fort Morgan, Alabama. Southeastern Naturalist, 2(3), 317–326.
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Chamblee, M., Evans, K.O. (2019). Accipiters. In: Vonk, J., Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47829-6_813-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47829-6_813-1
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