Sharpshinned

Sharpshinned describes a bird of prey, typically a hawk, characterized by its relatively small size, long legs and tail, and distinctive, pointed wing shape. The term also implicitly refers to their agile and efficient hunting style, often preying on smaller birds and mammals within dense environments like forests and woodlands. Its scientific designation, reflecting these physical attributes and behaviours, is often applied to a broad range of similar birds. Furthermore, the term captures the bird's keen eyesight, allowing for acute detection of prey from considerable distances, and their incredible agility, making them a formidable hunter.

Sharpshinned meaning with examples

• The sharpshinned hawk, a blur of brown and white, darted between the trees, its pointed wings navigating the thick undergrowth with ease. Its presence, a clear threat, caused the smaller songbirds to cease their calls. This particular hawk was noted for its ability to maneuver swiftly through cluttered forests. Their hunting strategy is characterized by the speed which allows for hunting of much faster birds.
• Despite the bird watcher's patient observation of the woods, the fleeting glimpse of a sharpshinned hawk, only showed its tail feathers as it vanished into the dense canopy, its hunting strategy was swift and deliberate. This raptor's appearance, a harbinger of the food web, and the very existence of a hawk, was a sign of a healthy environment. They are very skilled fliers with a very agile hunting style.
• Experienced ornithologists could easily identify the quick, erratic flight pattern of a sharpshinned hawk, a key characteristic distinguishing it from the larger Cooper's hawk. Its hunting success is driven by its sharp talons and remarkable maneuverability. Even novice bird watchers could eventually recognize these distinguishing traits in the birds. They often prefer dense forests and are very good at hunting other birds in the area.
• The artist masterfully captured the essence of a sharpshinned hawk in flight, the subtle curve of its wings reflecting the powerful, yet graceful form of the bird. A flash of brown and white, its keen eyes scanned the forest floor for its next meal. Their presence is often seen as a sign of the ecosystems health and their place at the top of the food chain. The agile maneuverability is a key sign of their prowess.