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Coopers Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

Description:

Hawk like raptor with 10 to 12 inches high with blue grey wing feathers and a brown and white striped body. Bright orange eyes.

Habitat:

Urban area in a shopping center parking lot.

7 Comments

StirredMocha
StirredMocha 9 years ago

I'm pretty sure that it's a Cooper's hawk due to the contrast of the dark crown and paler nape (most evident in third pic) along with what seems to be a larger bill. Additionally, it is a bit early for sharp-shinned to appear in Florida.

Mick G
Mick G 9 years ago

Thank you @Kibuyu and Doren B

Doren B
Doren B 9 years ago

This bird could be either of two species that are notoriously difficult to separate: Sharp-shinned Hawk or Cooper's Hawk. Based upon your report of the size, plus the shape, size and color of the head, I would lean toward the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus), however the position of the eyes on the head suggests that it could be the Cooper's Hawk.

Here is a handy reference to distinguish the species:

http://feederwatch.org/learn/tricky-bird...

Mick G
Mick G 9 years ago

After review I think a Coopers. http://askanaturalist.com/cooper%E2%80%9...

Mick G
Mick G 9 years ago

I am having a debate in my research now. Cornell might say sharp shinned but it looks like a Cooper's too?

Mick G
Mick G 9 years ago

Thank you, @StirredMocha. I thought so but almost never get them correct.

Davidbygott
Davidbygott 9 years ago

Probably a Cooper's Hawk, but just might be Sharp-shinned.

Mick G
Spotted by
Mick G

Delray Beach, Florida, USA

Spotted on Sep 20, 2014
Submitted on Sep 20, 2014

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