1. Andrew Wilson
5th grade
Hawks, as part of the group known as birds of prey, have acute eyesight, muscular legs and sharp
bills. Their noses are located just above the bill on a fleshy patch of skin that is called the cere.
Hawks are known for their sharp talons, which they use to catch prey even when in flight.
A Huge Family: Over 250 species are included in the hawk family. Hawks, like most birds of
prey, hunt during the daytime, unlike owls.
Small, Medium and Large: Hawks can be found in forests, prairies, or open savannas. This bird
is widely in size. The smallest hawks, such as the sparrow hawk, are about the size of a robin
while the rough-legged hawk, one of the largest hawks, has a length of 22 inches and a wingspan
of over 55 inches. Female hawks are almost always larger than males.