Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: bronco on January 30, 2016, 07:00:09 AM

Title: Cooper's or Sharpie ?
Post by: bronco on January 30, 2016, 07:00:09 AM
Looking for your help again - Sharp-shinned or Cooper's?
As always any help is greatly appreciated - thanks

(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s539/bronco1941/2016-01-08-105_zpsjta4rif1.jpg)
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s539/bronco1941/2016-01-08-108_zpstwls1mi7.jpg)
Title: Re: Cooper's or Sharpie ?
Post by: Walter Fisher on January 30, 2016, 12:09:46 PM
It's a Cooper's Hawk.  The tail is slightly longer on Cooper's and the tail has a slightly wider white tail band at the tip which is visible in your second photo although the feathers are somewhat worn.  The head is a little larger with Cooper's and they also have a slighting longer neck which makes the head protrude out just a little further from the wings.

Walter :)
Title: Re: Cooper's or Sharpie ?
Post by: Rotarran on January 30, 2016, 09:58:01 PM
Quote from: "Walter Fisher"
It's a Cooper's Hawk.  The tail is slightly longer on Cooper's and the tail has a slightly wider white tail band at the tip which is visible in your second photo although the feathers are somewhat worn.  The head is a little larger with Cooper's and they also have a slighting longer neck which makes the head protrude out just a little further from the wings.

Walter :)

Cool info!  It's as if you're some kind of hawk watcher  :P
Title: Re: Cooper's or Sharpie ?
Post by: Walter Fisher on January 31, 2016, 12:57:08 PM
Ha! Good one Rotarran!

I should point out that the rounded tail in the first pic is also a good indicator that it's a Cooper's Hawk but that shouldn't be used alone when trying to decipher Cooper's from Sharpies as some Sharp-shined Hawks may have worn tail feathers that give the same 'rounded' appearance.

Walter :)
Title: Re: Cooper's or Sharpie ?
Post by: bronco on January 31, 2016, 08:54:26 PM
Thanks Walter for the detailed reply - your info will sure come in handy in the future