Sharp-shinned or Cooper's Hawk??? New York, USA (1 Viewer)

[DAFiles]

I took these pictures today. Hawk was going after crows that landed near it. Seemed to be slightly smaller than the crows. There were 2 hawks, not sure if pictures are the same bird. Any ID help?

 

[Motmot]

Bird on the right is a juv Cooper´s. The one on the left looks more like a Sharp-shinned but maybe it´s a pic effect.

 

[jcwings]

I took these pictures today. Hawk was going after crows that landed near it. Seemed to be slightly smaller than the crows. There were 2 hawks, not sure if pictures are the same bird. Any ID help?

I'm thinking both are Cooper's Hawks but I could be wrong on the first bird since it is well streaked below like a juv. Sharpie, and the end of the tail looks squared. I've taken the liberty of modifying your photo to point out key marks of a Coop in flight. Compared to Sharp-shinned, Cooper's shows head projection beyond the leading edge of the wing which is held very straight on soaring birds. Even birds in a glide with a bend in the wing this head projection extends beyond the bent wrist. A rounded tail is also a good mark.

 

[Miedin]

I agree, both appear to be Cooper's Hawks to me.

 

[danehower]

Ok , why do we alway's only see juvinile accipiters. I only seem to see adults in the winter. Is it because they are more skilled? Is it just me . I see alot of accipiters - and their dramatic effect on my backyard - but it allways seems like juvies ....? P.S. jcwings gives good illustration for coopers ! Nice

 

[W.coast Raptor]

coops