Backyard Photos Reveal Hawk Diet Secrets

A University of Kentucky study has shed new light on the dietary preferences of Cooper's hawks and sharp-shinned hawks, largely thanks to the efforts of citizen scientists. Researchers analyzed nearly 80,000 photographs shared on the iNaturalist platform, revealing distinct hunting patterns for the two raptor species common in residential neighborhoods.

Cooper's hawks, the larger of the two species, were observed to favor larger prey, with rock pigeons and various dove species frequently appearing in their diets. In contrast, sharp-shinned hawks demonstrated an even stronger preference for avian prey, predominantly targeting European starlings and house sparrows. The average prey weight differed significantly, with Cooper's hawks consuming prey averaging 5.8 ounces and sharp-shinned hawks averaging two ounces.

This research highlights the significant value of citizen science in wildlife research. By contributing photographs of backyard bird feeders and surrounding areas, everyday citizens provided data that filled a crucial gap in understanding these commonly sighted but often understudied raptors. The study's findings confirm previous beliefs that these hawks primarily hunt other birds and underscore the importance of diverse data collection methods.