TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

Saw this hawk this morning and am not sure what kind it is, I was thinking maybe a red shouldered hawk. I could not get a photo of its tail or the back. This photo was taken in Washington State. Any help with ID would be appreciated.

jak86094

Trish: Given the dark crown and wings and long, barred tail along with the rufous streaks on the breast, I'm pretty confident this is a Cooper's Hawk. The Sharp-Shinned Hawk is similar but smaller with a squared tail and smaller head relative to the size of the body). Since we can't really see the end of the tail or tell the size of the bird, I think the size of the head indicates a Cooper's Hawk. Nice shot. Keep shooting and sharing. jak

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Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I agree with Coopers Hawk. Love Whidbey Island.

TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

Thanks for your input - I don't think it is a Coopers as it looked larger more the size of a red tail hawk. Yes it was unfortunate that I couldn't get the tail, back or wings but appreciate your info.

TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

Yes Whidbey Island is a great place to live. Thanks for your input.

jak86094

I like Whidbey Island also. You live in a beautiful spot. As for the size issue, Cooper's Hawks can grow to 14" - 20" long, and Red-Tails are around 22" long, so it could easily be a large Cooper's Hawk. The markings are those of a fairly mature individual, so it may be one of the older and therefore larger individuals of the species. Being that large, it's definitely NOT a Sharp-Shinned Hawk. All of the markings are consistent with Cooper's. Let's see if other viewers have another ID. I've got nothing hanging on being right...I just like to test my ID skills and I'm pretty sure on this one. jak

TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

Thanks. You don't think it could be a sharp shinned? Didn't realize Coopers grew to be that large - we have coopers come around here quite often and they are normally much smaller than red tails and this ones chest feathers looked much redder than the usual coopers colors. Really appreciate your help with this and yes we do look in a great area of the country.

jak86094

Well, let's see if anyone else has an ID that is a better fit. I agree that the breast streaks are really red. The brightness along with the darkness of the crown probably means you were dealing with a very mature bird...lots of time to "grow into" its full colors. But as I said above, I could be wrong.

Part of my family used to live in Bellingham and we used to come up and visit. I especially love the ferries and visiting the San Juan Islands, but Whidbey's just on the way. jak

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

Definitely Cooper's and, a very nice capture...thanks for sharing!!

TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

Guess I will agree with everyone and call it a Coopers - thank you all very much for your input it has been most helpful.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Geezer Bill Loc: San Diego County, CA

spudkota Loc: Black Hills S.Dak

I' just glad I got to look , nice

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Nothing is right for a Red-shouldered Hawk. The wings are too dark, the posture is too forward leaning and Red-shoulders have a certain "owl like" look when perched. It is definitely an Accipiter. Not a Goshawk for a number of reasons, leaving Sharp-shinned or Cooper's. I just don't believe there are enough field marks to make a definitive call. From the information provided in the photo I would have listed it on my field card as an Accipiter sp?

jwm1944 Loc: Maryland

Coopers...!