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Posted by Robin Diaz on 17:32:56 08/30/07
In Reply to: Need pointers on Hawk IDs please! posted by Holly
Holly -- Don't be discouraged, hawks are fun. Really! The best "tool" you can keep in your car is a paperback reference called _A Photographic Guide to North American Raptors_ by Wheeler and Clark. If you become more adventurous by October when hawks are in the air, I recommend another paperback titled _Hawks from Every Angle_ by Jerry Liguori.
In winter South Florida birders frequently encounter 4 immature raptor species: Sharp-shinned Vs. Cooper's Hawks (accipiters) and Red-shouldered Vs. Broad-winged Hawks (buteos). In addition to Jeff's excellent tips, here are a few things that may help separate the 2 accipiters when perched and soaring:
HEADS:
Sharp-shinned -> small, rounded
Cooper's -> large, flat
Jeff Bouton describes "pinhead" for SSHA and "blockhead" for COHA
LEGS:
SSHA -> thin, spindly
COHA -> stout
Boutonism: pretzel-sticks for SSHA and pretzel rods for COHA
FLIGHT:
SSHA -> appear "headless" like a little old lady driving a large car; when soaring the leading edge of wings has a gentle "S" curve
COHA -> head extends beyond wings; the leading edge appears straight when soaring
**By October, young SSHA's outer edges of tail may be worn and appear rounded in flight
Perched YOUNG Red-shouldered Vs. Broad-winged Hawks:
RSHA -> secondaries will show barring
BWHA -> secondaries will not be barred
There are many other subtle field marks but this is the one to check first.
Good luck and enjoy the great array of raptors we have in winter.
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