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

[chickencheeper]

Do not think Eurasian Sparrowhawk's range includes north America.
We do have kestrels in California, but they are distinctive. It is a Sharp-shinned.

As far as I know Eurasian kestrels do not migrate or live anywhere in North America

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Eurasian Kestrel or common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is different than Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). I don't think either live in North America.
The kestrels we have in California are American Kestrel (Falco sparverius). It gets very confusing!

 

[casportpony]

Easy to tell if you are holding one of each!

I love this picture, very helpful!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

https://www.thespruce.com/coopers-hawk-or-sharp-shinned-hawk-id-387334
Kathy, this has great info. I still think yours is a Cooper's hawk. They are crow sized, while Sharp shinned are jay sized. (Although female SS and male Cooper's can be about the same.)
Look what it says about behavior too. I have had Cooper's perch on a fence several times over the years, but my Sharp Shinned is sticking to the trees and shrubs.

 

[casportpony]

This one was slightly larger than a jay, but smaller than a pigeon. Absolutly no where near the size of a crow.

 

[casportpony]

This one was crow-sized.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

You get such amazing pictures! What kind of camera do you use?
Kathy, I got confused between this thread and your Pet Cooper's thread! (getting old sucks) I've always thought the first one you posted above is Sharp-shinned with the smaller head and overall size and skinny legs. Especially compared to the larger juvenile in the second set of pics, which is Cooper's.