Accipiter in Tajikistan (1 Viewer)

[PhilSteiner]

I photographed this accipiter two days ago at around 2,400m/8,000ft above sea level in the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan. There were lots of Eurasian Sparrowhawks around, so originally I marked it down as another one. But looking at the photos, its hips look pretty wide, its back looks possibly a bit mottled, and I've started wondering if it might be a Northern Goshawk. Whichever it is, I'd love any pointers on how to more reliably distinguish the two in the field. I have read the opus, but for instance, on this bird I'm not sure if its tail counts as rounded or not. Habitat was good for both accipiters.

 

[Harrybongo]

I photographed this accipiter two days ago at around 2,400m/8,000ft above sea level in the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan. There were lots of Eurasian Sparrowhawks around, so originally I marked it down as another one. But looking at the photos, its hips look pretty wide, its back looks possibly a bit mottled, and I've started wondering if it might be a Northern Goshawk. Whichever it is, I'd love any pointers on how to more reliably distinguish the two in the field. I have read the opus, but for instance, on this bird I'm not sure if its tail counts as rounded or not. Habitat was good for both accipiters.

Hi. Out of the two you have mentioned, it looks more like a Sparrow hawk to me, slightly shorter neck and head than a Gos, slimmer hip, and a sharp end to the tail feathers.........Can't be sure though.

 

[tconzemi]

it is not a Goshawk as inner secondaries are barred and bars touching the body.
It still looks somehow strange for a Sparrowhawk: reduced barring on breast and broad white tip on tail.
Shikra may be a good candidate but I have no experience in Asian Shikra and I do not know if absence of visible gular stripe exclude it

 

[jogresh]

It's not a Gos or Sprawk; I've never seen Shikra. 🙂👍🐦

 

[lou salomon]

but - Shikra has 5 fingers, so I don't see any other alternative than Eurasian Sparrowhawk. Perhaps it looks pale because bright underground reflects sunlight from below.

 

[jogresh]

Hmm perhaps I was too hasty in eliminating Sprawk?.. 🤔