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| DOIN' THE DOUG - BIRD GUIDES |
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Cooper's Hawk
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| Length: 14-20 inches Wings: 29-37 inches Cooper's Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks look very much alike. Cooper's Hawks are larger, except that a male (smaller) Cooper's Hawk is about the same size as the female Sharp-shinned Hawk. Sibley, The Sibley Guide to Birds, says "Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks are nearly identical in all plumages. Cooper's is the lankiest accipter, with large head, long neck and tail, and relatively narrow straight-edged wings." The Cooper's Hawk's tail is more rounded and longer, with a wider white tail tip.Distinguished from a Sharp-shinned Hawk by a noticeable contrast between back and crown (in adults). |
 This is an unusually light-colored Cooper's Hawk. (I saw it fly in.) I am reasonably sure that this is a Cooper's Hawk (although the tail is not real rounded.)  Even Cooper's Hawks need a drink.  Juvenile Cooper's Hawks look different from the adults, but they are also similar to juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawks.  For views of Sharp-shinned Hawks or maybe more pictures of Cooper's Hawks, follow the link. |
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This is a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Compare to photos above. |