Raptor, New Jersey, USA (1 Viewer)

birdher · Feb 16, 2013

I need help trying to figure out what type of raptor this is.

Also, I think I saw my first Pileated Woodpecker this morning, it was pretty big.

ClarkWGriswold · Feb 16, 2013

Hi Birdher. Your raptor is a Merlin I believe. I think you're right about the woody as well.

Rich

birdher · Feb 16, 2013

Yeah, I think it's a merlin, it wasn't big enough to be a hawk.

GreatHorn14 · Feb 16, 2013

Yes, Merlin and Pileated. Congrats!

ClarkWGriswold · Feb 16, 2013

Forgot to add congrats BH. Merlin is one of my bogey birds.

Rich

The Falcon · Feb 16, 2013

Agree with Merlin.

Kratter · Feb 16, 2013

birdher said:
Yeah, I think it's a merlin, it wasn't big enough to be a hawk.

A male Sharp-shinned Hawk is about he same size as a Merlin, so size does matter in distinctions between hawks and falcons

Andy

Gretchen · Feb 17, 2013

Kratter said:
A male Sharp-shinned Hawk is about he same size as a Merlin, so size does matter in distinctions between hawks and falcons

Andy

Thanks - a useful comparison.