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Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

Description:

This juvenile has mottled brown upperparts and yellowish eyes. If underparts were visible, they would be characterized by wide, brown streaks.

Habitat:

Deep coniferous forests and mixed hardwood-conifer woodlands all across North America.

Notes:

I first posted this as a juvenile Cooper's Hawk but I was informed by Project Noah member, Liam, that it is more likely a juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk. I am quite happy about this because that makes this a sure lifer for me. Sharpies are not seen often at the Ridgefield NWR in southwest Washington state. Thanks to Liam for correcting the ID on this bird!

1 species ID suggestions

Liam
Liam a year ago
Sharp-shinned Hawk (juvenile)
Accipiter striatus Sharp-shinned Hawk

8 Comments

ChristyHolland
ChristyHolland a year ago

Beautiful sharpie!! Great photo! Project Noah has recently increased the boundaries of the mission "Raptors of Colorado" to include all of North America, and is now called (drumroll please!) "Raptors of North America". I would love it if you would consider adding this and any other raptor spottings (birds of prey) to the following: http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/8627...
Thank you!

Liam
Liam a year ago

I often use this link here to differentiate the two species:
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBi...

Dennis Davenport
Dennis Davenport a year ago

Thanks everyone for your comments! And thanks Liam for your ID on this bird. Can you explain the difference in eye positioning between the Sharpie and the Cooper's? I'm learning something new everyday!

Liam
Liam a year ago

The two species are very hard to distinguish, but this is a classic Sharpie based on eye positioning, even tail feathers, and small size.

Andhi Priatmoko
Andhi Priatmoko a year ago

nice shot

KarenL
KarenL a year ago

Lovely photo Dennis!

SatyenM
SatyenM a year ago

Nice shot Dennis.

Sachin Zaveri
Sachin Zaveri a year ago

Nice capture,

Washington, USA

Lat: 45.80, Long: -122.76

Spotted on Dec 16, 2011
Submitted on Dec 28, 2011

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