What killed my baby chicken?

[nanashigost]

I heard a very loud chirp and went to check it out and the chick was already dead.
I have checked the cameras, and I did not find out what exactly happened but saw a hawk fly close to the coop.
What could have caused this?

 

[sourland]

It may have been struck by the hawk or it may have been panicked by the hawk and hit its head killing itself.

 

[CLovesDucks]

No idea here but I’m sure some of the chicken folks will be along soon to help! So sorry for your loss

 

[St3v3n31922]

Is there anymore injuries on the chick suggesting anything that caused it or the only wound is the head in that picture?

 

[The Dapper Duck]

Could be a hawk. I just see two small punctures. Does it penetrate the skull? Are there any really big chickens in there with the young one? Unlikely, but it could have been one very precise strike from a big rooster. I feel like a hawk would have grabbed the body rather than the head. Also, what species of hawk was it?

 

[nanashigost]

The only injuries I saw was on the head. I don't know if it penetrated the skull. All the chickens are the same age. I do not know the species of hawk. I live in California.

 

[Aunt Angus]

We have many in CA. Red Tailed are huge and look like big brown almost eagle-sized. They are super common here. We have Coopers and Sharp Shinned hawks, too. And falcons, kites, kestrels...

I am in NorCal, and I have been dealing with Red Shouldered Hawks. They are smaller than Red Tailed, have barred tails, and a distinct cry that reminds me of seagulls. I haven't lost anyone, but I see those hawks frequently of late.