Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Southern Ontario Reports => Topic started by: Robin Harrison on November 06, 2009, 02:42:05 PM

Title: Sharp Shinned HAwk or Cooper's Hawk
Post by: Robin Harrison on November 06, 2009, 02:42:05 PM

Hi Everyone.....new to the forum so here goes.
                  A bird I thought was a Sharp Shinned Hawk has been around for a few days and yesterday sat right outside my window looking for flying food.
                 However, it had a white tip to it's fan-shaped but rounded tail.
             My bird books indicate this is more likely to be a Cooper's Hawk.
 I find it difficult to judge size. Also it no buff/orange tint to it's front. Slate grey back and  light tan front .

                 Any guesses ?
                           I assumed it was a S/S Hawk as they are commoner but is the white tip typical of these birds ? It was VERY obvious as it flew away (chased by crows)

               Thanks for any opinions.
                                    Robin

I am in Paris on the Grand River....saw the first Bald Eagle last Sunday Nov 1st.

Title: Cooper or Sharp shinned
Post by: Napper on November 06, 2009, 07:49:12 PM

Hi Robin

Welcome to the forum :D  

Your Sharp shinned vs Coopers hawk dilemma is a common one.


I used to try to explain it now I just paste this link. :wink:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutB ... Dtable.htm (http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/accipiterIDtable.htm)
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutB ... rphoto.htm (http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/accipiterphoto.htm)

Notice in the images the difference in body shape, under tail feather configuration, eye location and head shape

A picture of your bird would help

Napper:)  hope this helps

Title:
Post by: Robin Harrison on November 07, 2009, 10:58:41 AM

I appreciate the reply.................but it's atricky one,isn't it ?
                I still really don't know but at least am able to observe with with more information next time.

                                Thanks a lot.......Robin

Title: Cooper's Hawk
Post by: jonah on November 12, 2009, 05:16:25 PM

You are correct, it was a Cooper's Hawk , which I just saw today.
Jonah.

Title:
Post by: jonah on November 13, 2009, 07:34:45 AM

Try the website, All About Birds, a very beautiful site with loads of photos.