Sharpie
Both Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks are striking, dashing accipiters. Both predate upon birds, and are very fast and acrobatic in flight. The differences between the two are subtle, though Sharpies are a bit smaller, with the gray cap on their more rounded head extending over the nape of the neck. Sharpies are more northern in their distribution, breeding well up into Canada and only parts of the northeast and northern intermountain areas of the US, with migration south for the winter. Cooper’s however are year-round throughout the US, and though some breed north of the border, their breeding range is limited to southern Canada.
Despite their problematic diet, both species are an exciting, welcome sight, their quickness on the chase is thrilling to see. This fellow was quite small, thus I think a male, and had his mind on my bird feeders, as is a common habit of both species. After a few days without success that I was aware of, he moved on to hunt elsewhere.
Sharpie
Both Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks are striking, dashing accipiters. Both predate upon birds, and are very fast and acrobatic in flight. The differences between the two are subtle, though Sharpies are a bit smaller, with the gray cap on their more rounded head extending over the nape of the neck. Sharpies are more northern in their distribution, breeding well up into Canada and only parts of the northeast and northern intermountain areas of the US, with migration south for the winter. Cooper’s however are year-round throughout the US, and though some breed north of the border, their breeding range is limited to southern Canada.
Despite their problematic diet, both species are an exciting, welcome sight, their quickness on the chase is thrilling to see. This fellow was quite small, thus I think a male, and had his mind on my bird feeders, as is a common habit of both species. After a few days without success that I was aware of, he moved on to hunt elsewhere.