The more information we have about a species' biology, behavior, and habitat needs, the better equipped we are to develop a successful conservation plan. Locating and observing Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawks outside of breeding season can be a challenge. By placing transmitters on them, we are able to track them for months after they leave the nest, and gain invaluable information on their ecology. 

A young nestling in hand

Amanda Hancock

When Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawks are approximately 21 days old, our team will once again climb into the nest to band young birds. Banding young is an important first step to help us monitor dispersal and survival of young birds—key information needed to better understand the species’ population biology

Banding tools and strings of red, green, and black bird bands lying on a red blanket

Amanda Hancock

Each band has a unique color and alphanumeric code. Since females are the bigger of the two sexes, they are measured and generally receive either a Green (size 3A) band or a Blue (size 3B) band, while the smaller males receive a Black (size 3) band or a Red (size 2) band. Hawks that are banded from wild nests receive their color band on the left leg, while we put the color band on a hawk’s right leg if it was reared from our propagation facility. 

A closeup of a biologist extending the wing of a Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk to check for parasites

Hana Weaver

While we have the hawks in hand, we are able to measure and collect other information about the hawk’s health and condition. We take photos, wing, tail, and talon measurements, get their weight, check their body composition, and look for botflies and other parasites in and under their feathers. If we do find parasites, we collect them and apply a topical treatment of fipronil (one of the active ingredients in Frontline flea medication for dogs) that will give the hawk extra protection. 

Close up of a transmitter affixed to the base of a Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk's tail

Hana Weaver

In 2022, The Peregrine Fund completed the first attempt at studying habitat use of the Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk by tracking four hawks with satellite transmitters. Exciting results of the study found that young hawks traveled further than previously known, and most importantly, the hawks led us to new areas of habitat that we previously did not know of. The goal in 2024 is to deploy 8–10 satellite transmitters that will help advance and expand our ongoing species recovery efforts. Specifically, movement and location information collected by the satellite tags will help us identify new areas of habitat where the hawks exist, allowing us to locate more nests sites and prevent parasitic infestations. The information gathered will also allow us to guide the development and protection of important habitat, leading to long-term species conservation.

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