In New York City, hawks have adapted to the urban environment and have a diverse diet. They are opportunistic predators and will eat a variety of animals that are readily available in the city. One of their main food sources is rats. With the abundance of rats in urban areas, hawks find them to be an easy and plentiful meal. They also prey on mice, which are also common in cities.
In addition to rodents, hawks in New York City will also go after other birds. Pigeons are a common target, as they are plentiful in urban areas. Hawks are skilled hunters and can catch birds in mid-air or snatch them off of rooftops and ledges. They may also target smaller birds such as sparrows and finches.
Squirrels are another food source for hawks in the city. With their agility and climbing abilities, squirrels can be challenging prey. However, hawks have been known to successfully catch and consume squirrels, particularly in parks and wooded areas within the city.
While these are the main food sources for hawks in New York City, they are not limited to just these animals. Hawks are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of any available prey. This can include reptiles such as snakes and lizards, which may be found in parks or gardens. Bats, which are active at night, are also potential targets for hawks.
In some coastal areas of the city, hawks may also feed on crabs. They have been observed swooping down and grabbing crabs from the shoreline or shallow water. This behavior is particularly common near bodies of water such as rivers or the ocean.
It is important to note that while hawks primarily target smaller animals, there have been rare reports of hawks attacking small dogs. This is more likely to occur if the dog is small and vulnerable, and if the hawk feels threatened or sees the dog as potential prey. It is always advisable to keep small pets on a leash and supervise them when hawks are present.
Hawks in New York City have a diverse diet that includes rats, mice, birds, squirrels, reptiles, bats, and even crabs. They are adaptable hunters that take advantage of the resources available in the urban environment. While they primarily target smaller animals, it is important to be cautious with small pets when hawks are in the area.