Species-Specific Management (SSM)

Accipiters

Accipiters

There are two true accipiters are found in the southern Appalachian forests. These are the sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), and the Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii). The species habitat, food, and nesting requirements are very similar. The species of "viability concern", the Northern goshawk, Accipiter gentilis, is a bird of the localized high-elevation spruce-fir forest areas.

Management suggestions that may help increase the populations, and in turn, the sightings and encounters of these raptors are:

1. They respond to diverse habitats. Representation of most type and stand age classes is necessary.
2. Old growth or climax stage forests are needed for both hawks. A mixed stand is most beneficial. Deciduous trees, such as oaks, maples, and hickories provide nesting material (bark and twigs). Conifers are preferred by sharp-shinned hawks for nesting, and Cooper's hawks like them for roosting. Protect against fire and harvesting.
3. A descending layer of trees and shrubs are necessary for the Cooper's hawk. It uses these cover areas as it "stalks" its prey. It will spot the prey from a high perch, then move down through the layers until it pounces on its prey. Burning will destroy the understory and the shrub layer of the forest, thus it must be avoided. Selected cuts in the overstory may open up the understory and allow for more growth.
4. Brushy edges provide an extension of the shrub understory, and cover for the hawks' predatory behavior. These edges should also include field edges because the primary prey of both hawks is song birds that feed in open fields. Openings are necessary for prey production. These openings should be managed for song birds such as starlings, sparrows, and robins. Beneficial vegetation for such song birds includes: blueberries, blackberries, dogwood, sumac, fescue, and hawthorn.
5. Accipiters have home ranges of at least 2 miles. These foraging areas can overlap; but an abundance of birds should not be expected if the area of land to be managed is small (5-10 acres).
6. Accipiters primarily prey upon song birds. They also eat small mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits, as well as lizards and insects. Thus, a program for managing for these animals is needed.
   • Managing for Song Birds: Forest, edges, and fields were already discussed. Bird houses, crevices in buildings and snags provide good nesting areas. Food crops should be planted. Stream edges provide nesting areas for some species, as well as produce insect populations used by many species as food. Keep cattle away from stream edges, and limit mowing to 50 feet from stream edges.
   • Managing for Squirrels: Mature growth oak forests are most beneficial to squirrels. Mast crops are usually the most limiting factor for squirrel populations. Snags and cavity bearing trees are necessary for nesting. These can be substituted with nest boxes placed high in deciduous trees.
   • Managing for Chipmunks and Red Squirrels: Cover and mast crop are needed. Oak forests and mast production are preferred. Ground litter in the forest provides good thermal and travel cover. Brush and wood piles provide adequate nesting and protective cover in the fields. These brush piles also create good perches for both song birds and raptors. A network of down logs and limbs creates energy-efficient travelways for these animals.
7. Eliminate Other Predators: Pets such as free roaming dogs and cats can have an effect on all of the accipiters' prey. Keep pets indoors or, if they must go out, keep them under supervision or fenced in.
8. Plant grain crops to provide an open area and food source for song birds and small mammals.
9. Fence in the crop. This keeps unwanted grazers out and provides perches for the accipiters and song birds. Place fences near edge of forest in order to provide for the Cooper's hawk's predator style. Make sure relatively high wood poles (5-8 feet) are incorporated in the fence. If fencing is placed along an edge, this should not look unattractive.
10. Fencing along roadways also provides perches near field or open strips of land.
11. Snags create good nesting cavities for squirrels, and cavity nesting song birds. Again, they also provide good perch sites.
12. Grassy fields and water holes support insect populations, and thus should be managed well (lime, fertilizing, mowing or grazing)
13. Clear-cuts should be avoided, unless used to produce necessary fields or openings. When such cuts are made they should not exceed 5 acres. Creating edge should be considered when cutting.
14. Pesticides should be avoided. They have been shown to cause eggshell thinning in raptors. ove
15. Maintain records on extra birds produced as a result of management and evaluate costs.
16. These hawks range from the southern U.S. to Alaska and Newfoundland. Management should be encouraged in these areas.
17. Develop funding sources and stable management for the future.

A contribution of Jennifer Lawson (1992), Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321

Submitted by Robert H. Giles, Jr.

This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision January 17, 2000.