UK, Hen Harrier? (1 Viewer)

[naylom]

Can anyone help identify the bird in the attached photo? I suspect it is a Hen Harrier but based on other photo's I have seen I am unsure. Picture taken today.

Many thanks

 

[Fast_falkon]

It's not a Hen Harrier. It's a female Sparrowhawk.

 

[skbirder]

It's a Sparrowhawk. Hen Harriers do not show a barred breast, for starters.

 

[naylom]

Thanks for the quick reply

 

[delia todd]

Hi Naylom and welcome on behalf of the Staff and Moderators

I see you've already had the identification sorted.

D

 

[FalconBirder]

Hi Naylom,

Nice photo.

I agree that this is a Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) but believe that it is in fact a second calendar year (ie. hatched in 2007) male - not a female as previously suggested.

 

[barontan2418]

Hi Naylom,

Nice photo.

I agree that this is a Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) but believe that it is in fact a second calendar year (ie. hatched in 2007) male - not a female as previously suggested.

I'll second that, it's a male Sparrowhawk.

 

[timwootton]

I agree that this is a Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) but believe that it is in fact a second calendar year (ie. hatched in 2007) male - not a female as previously suggested.

Nice pic too. Note the slatey blue/grey upperparts and the hint of russet to the breast.