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

[Wishing4Wings]

Perhaps a male sharpshin or perhaps a male Cooper's, but the size you describe sounds a little too small for that. It is a mature male.

Sourland, how can you tell it's a male? I know females are larger in these two types of hawks, so maybe male Cooper's or female Sharp-shinned by size? Looks like a Sharp-s with those spindly legs.

 

[casportpony]

Here's my Cooper's Hawk:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pictures-of-my-pet-coopers-hawk.1215378/#post-19391963

 

[sylviethecochin]

No offense meant to you, but from all the pictures you've posted of hawks--man am I glad I don't live near you.

 

[casportpony]

Perhaps a male sharpshin or perhaps a male Cooper's, but the size you describe sounds a little too small for that. It is a mature male.

It was really small, and looks different than my pet Cooper's.

 

[007Sean]

It was really small, and looks different than my pet Cooper's.

Your pet Cooper's pic was taken in it's summer plumage.

 

[casportpony]

Your pet Cooper's pic was taken in it's summer plumage.

Those were taken at the end of September. What will it look like now?

 

[TexasSam]

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

I see Cooper Hawks, sharp shine, a kite, and I'm pretty sure it was a Northern goshawk that snatched one of my juveniles. It also seems like there are more redtail hawks around

 

[TexasSam]

It looks like a Cooper's hawk, or a Sharp-Shinned?

This is a sharp shinned Cooper's are larger and bulky in comparison

 

[sourland]

The gray coloring is typical of adult male Cooper's and Sharp Shins. Immature birds have the brown/barred coloring of the females of the breed.

 

[casportpony]

Very cool pictures here:
https://feederwatch.org/blog/sharp-shinned-hawk-versus-coopers-hawk/