Wild bird ID: Cooper or Sharp-shinned?

[kitana]

I was confused today when a birder sent me these pics. At first I said it was a sharpie, but then he sent me 3 other pics and I'm not so sure anymore.

My criterions are the diameter of the shin (sharp, but not so on the next pics), relatively large eyes, round head, square tail but difficult to really evaluate...

I figured I would ask real pros! lol Thanks for your help!

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images...mg8585mod.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/809/img8587o.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/502/img8575f.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/707/img8576u.jpg/

[robruger1]

I say Sharpie.

[Dakota]

I agree Sharpie.

[frootdog]

Sharpie for sure

[PeteJ]

Sharpie for sure. An adult Cooper's would have a black cap, Sharpies do not. Not to mention the tarsi are flatted on the sides, a Cooper's are rounded. Nice clear pics though...beautiful bird.

[Toruk_Makto]

Nice pics for sure.

Sharpie.

[Colt]

Agree, Sharpie

[frootdog]

Holy crap don't look now but 6 falconers actually agree on something!

[bobpayne]

Holy crap don't look now but 6 falconers actually agree on something!

Here is the real question, musket or hen shin?

[michaelberan]

Too tiny, at least compared to the thickness of the chair metal, to be a coops from Louisiana, seems our birds are at least twice that size or better.

[varanus]

Looks like a shin to me.

[goshawks00]

Here is the real question, musket or hen shin?

I say female ..kind of chunky for a male plus it doesn't really have those "bubble" eyes of a gun.

[bobpayne]

I say female ..kind of chunky for a male plus it doesn't really have those "bubble" eyes of a gun.

Following up with thick or chunky toes, I'm with you Barry.

[PeteJ]

I say female ..kind of chunky for a male plus it doesn't really have those "bubble" eyes of a gun.

I'd agree, a female.

[kitana]

Thanks guys. Wait till I tell them that not only their mystery accipiter was identified as a sharpie, but also as a female! They will have a nosebleed. These guys need measurements to be able to sex a bird of prey. I agree it's often needed, but with very large females or small males one can tell the sex just by looking at them...

[bobpayne]

Thanks guys. Wait till I tell them that not only their mystery accipiter was identified as a sharpie, but also as a female! They will have a nosebleed. These guys need measurements to be able to sex a bird of prey. I agree it's often needed, but with very large females or small males one can tell the sex just by looking at them...

The advantage of hunting with a shin, day in day out through a season or more, it would be easier to put a label on what you think it is or is not. That and going to Kentucky in the spring in search of..... for several seasons.

[Ricko]

I say Sharpie.

Agreed.

[kitana]

The advantage of hunting with a shin, day in day out through a season or more, it would be easier to put a label on what you think it is or is not. That and going to Kentucky in the spring in search of..... for several seasons.

Grrr don't rub it in please Rob, we don't have wild take here and it's becoming a frustration... But yes I agree that it's a fantastic way to learn how to identify and even sex birds of prey on sight.

[PHILADELPHIA CITY HAWKER]

I say North East Female Sharpy near bird feeder! LOL
Jeff