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Sparrowhawk vs Goshawk. Catalonia, Spain (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Edu82
- Start date
Deb Burhinus
Used to be well known! 😎
Juvenile Gos for me
I think based on the markings on the breast looking 'streaked' down the breast - which is juvenile Goshawk, rather than 'stripes' across for adult Goshawk and Sparrowhawk. The tail also looks rounded at the end which is another good pointer for Goshawk.
Ian
Deb Burhinus
Used to be well known! 😎
Yes, these were both the apparent features upon which I suggest Juv Gos. Also, the length of the tail and apparent width of the undertail coverts at the tail base.
ChrisKten
It's true, I quite like Pigeons
Although I agree it's unlikely to be a Sparrowhawk (mainly from apparent thickness of tarsi, Sparrowhawks can have a bit of streaking at the neck, and the breast could be artefacts and/or untidy feathers) - wouldn't it be too early in the season for a juvenile Gos, and wouldn't a 2cy Gos have less streaking by June?
Deb Burhinus
Used to be well known! 😎
Yes, too early for 1cy so I needed quick google revision of molt strategy in Northern Goshawk to answer (Im away and all books at home!)
https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_journals/1997/rmrs_1997_squires_j002.pdf
Juvenale plumage retained for approx 12 mnths from hatching date ie when bird is 1yr old
Prebasic (sub adult) - attained during the 2nd summer and completed by 2nd w - more or less adult
Adult - during breeding season (f/incubation)(m/after fledglings)
