Raptor ID requested

January 18, 2016 7:48 PM

I saw this raptor ripping up its prey right outside my window the other day. I'm pretty sure I've seen it hanging around the neighborhood. Can anyone ID it? Video is here.
posted by Slinga to Pets & Animals (6 answers total)

I wasn't able to tell with the video going through the screen door, and with the bird not turning, but did you notice if there were three stripes running horizontally across its tail? If so it would be a Cooper's hawk, which prey primarily on other birds.
posted by azpenguin at 7:53 PM on January 18, 2016

I'm going to say Cooper's hawk also, but you might want to look up Cooper's and Sharp-shinned hawks and see if one looks more likely then the other.

Also nice video!
posted by lepus at 7:57 PM on January 18, 2016 [2 favorites]

I'm also leaning Coop, based on perceived bulk and length of tail to overall body length, but if someone held a gun to my head, I'd say "accipter" without being more definite. (And FWIW, number of bars on the tail is not diagnostic for Coop vs Sharpie.) They are notoriously hard to tell apart in certain contexts; you could do worse than click through Jerry Liguori's photos and blog and ID discussions to get hints/ideas for whether this was a Cooper's or a Sharp-Shinned hawk. Also FWIW, it's an adult bird.
posted by rtha at 8:56 PM on January 18, 2016 [4 favorites]

Leaning toward Cooper's as well, because sharpies are jay or dove sized according to this species comparison page, and that bird looks bulkier.
posted by Lou Stuells at 9:19 PM on January 18, 2016

If you've seen this bird a few times, you might have better luck with the Merlin bird ID app. You'll also be able to listen to the calls and see pics of juveniles in order to make a better match.
posted by Brittanie at 1:20 AM on January 19, 2016

I agree with those leaning towards Cooper's Hawk on account of bulk. Seconding everything rtha said. Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks are tricky to tell apart.

Slinga, if you'd like a quick comparison between the Sharp-Shinned and Cooper's Hawks, Project FeederWatch has this helpful comparison chart.
posted by Guess What at 5:13 AM on January 19, 2016 [2 favorites]