Sharp-Shinned Hawk (was What is this cool little bird?)

[theoldchick]

Cooper's Hawk

Sharp-shinned Hawk:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...shinned-hawk&usg=AOvVaw3n5BDCQ47-ZQqJUg7VWQzu


https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...coopers-hawk&usg=AOvVaw29_2hpI4ft_4rMkGaNwx_m

 

[casportpony]

Here are some more pictures.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Smaller than a pigeon and bigger than a Scrub Jay.
View attachment 1229774 View attachment 1229775

Beautiful shots, Kathy! It's really tough to tell Sharp-Shinned from Cooper's (unless they are side by side!). You can sometimes tell by the tip of the tail, but alas, can't see it.
By the look and the size you describe, I vote Sharp-Shinned. The coloring on the Cooper's head looks more like a dark cap, and the heads are a bit bigger.

Wish I could take a good pic like yours. One has taken up residence in my backyard, and I still can't tell which type it is. Sadly, my Serama's can no longer free range, but the little hawk doesn't seem to bother the large hens at all. It's mostly going after wild quail, now that my bantams are kept cooped.

 

[007Sean]

 

[Hamiam]

@TexasSam, didn't you tell me that Cooper Hawks are migrating thru our area of Texas?

 

[casportpony]

https://www.thespruce.com/coopers-hawk-or-sharp-shinned-hawk-id-387334

 

[NikAndHerChicks]

I vote sharp shinned also. We have some near us also. They look a lot like Cooper's hawks, but are smaller. My kids get the two mixed up a lot & think the sharp shins are "baby" Cooper's!
They're beautiful to watch, terrifying, but beautiful!

 

[casportpony]

I have pictures of a Cooper's Hawk too, and it was larger than a crow.

 

[WVduckchick]

Did you take those pics? Pretty, but deadly.

 

[007Sean]

Time to call our resident Ornithologist in @moardie