Here we go again: cooper's or sharp-shinned hawk? USA (1 Viewer)

nartreb

Speak softly and carry a long lens

• Jan 20, 2014

• #1

This bird was photographed in 2012. I initially misidentified it as a broad-wing, then became firmly convinced it was a juvenile sharp-shin, but now I think it's more likely to be a juvenile Cooper's.

I have a few more photos, including some side views, but I don't think they add any useful info. In particular, there are no better views of the tail.

edit: added one of the side views anyway, since some of you seem to be able to differentiate on the basis of head size relative to body

 

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Last edited: Jan 20, 2014

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Jan 20, 2014

• #2

Looking at the thin legs, Sharpie for me.

 

F

fugl

Well-known member

• Jan 21, 2014

• #3

Sharpie for me too.

 

C

Cypselurus92

Well-known member

• Jan 21, 2014

• #4

Agree on Sharpie.

 

AlexC

Aves en Los Ángeles

Opus Editor

• Jan 21, 2014

• #5

Even though the 2nd photo may be misleading with the tail, where it appears "rounded", you can see in photo #3 that when the bird takes off, the tail-feathers are evenly lengthed from a profile view.

That plus the legs, "cute" look, and projecting 'wrists' in 3rd photo as it takes off. Certainly a Sharpie.

 

Jeff Hopkins

Just another...observer

• Jan 21, 2014

• #6

Sharpie for me.

 

nartreb

Speak softly and carry a long lens

• Jan 21, 2014

• #7

Thanks, guys.

 

A

armadillo

Member

• Jan 22, 2014

• #8

Cooper or sharp-shinned Redux

One of life's unending mysteries.

I too had a similar dilemma with the attached bird. Cooper's or sharp-shinned.

My guess was sharp-shinned because it was in a forested area, and I read that cooper's prefer more open spaces and sharp-shinned preferred more forested areas.

I could be wrong, and am open to rebuttal.

 

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AlexC

Aves en Los Ángeles

Opus Editor

• Jan 22, 2014

• #9

armadillo said:

One of life's unending mysteries.

I too had a similar dilemma with the attached bird. Cooper's or sharp-shinned.

My guess was sharp-shinned because it was in a forested area, and I read that cooper's prefer more open spaces and sharp-shinned preferred more forested areas.

I could be wrong, and am open to rebuttal.

Click to expand...

RE: Armadillo's bird - my vote is Sharpie here, too. Thin legs, more hooded look than capped (no pale nape). Seeing the tail would help if you have other shots, but that's what I get from this one.

 

F

fugl

Well-known member

• Jan 22, 2014

• #10

Yeah, I would also say Sharpie for armadillo's bird.

 

A

armadillo

Member

• Jan 24, 2014

• #11

thanks, I did not get another shot, it flew away four seconds later...but I did think sharp shinned

 

TLeukering

Well-known member

• Feb 9, 2014

• #12

This is a juvenile Cooper's Hawk, as discerned by the hooded look, the lack of any reddish barring below, and the forward-placed eyes.