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Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

Published on Project Noah
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45.801, -122.763

Field Notes

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!

Species ID Suggestions

Sharp-shinned Hawk (juvenile)

Accipiter striatus

Reference Link
Liam
1

Comments (8)
ChristyHolland
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/8627557 Thank you!
Liam
I often use this link here to differentiate the two species: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/accipiterIDtable.htm
Dennis Davenport
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
The two species are very hard to distinguish, but this is a classic Sharpie based on eye positioning, even tail feathers, and small size.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Birds of the World
Mission
2011 Best Wildlife Photo
Mission
Raptors of North America

Tags

Photographed
PublishedDecember 28, 2011

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