Sparrowhawk or Goshawk

[DMPRITCHARD]

I assume this is a sparrowhawk, but my guide tells me that a rounded tail is more a sign of a goshawk. Any advice very much appreciated.

[faz]

Originally Posted by DMPRITCHARD

I assume this is a sparrowhawk, but my guide tells me that a rounded tail is more a sign of a goshawk. Any advice very much appreciated.

hi and welcome to WAB its a male sparrowhawk

[accipter]

yellow eye and white stripe above eye female.

[RobinP]

Seconded, female Sprawk based on eye colour, white stripe above eye and general colouration.

Robin

[accipter]

common sense at last, collared dove size male, pigeon size female there are other difference's such as male eye orange, rusty orange front blue grey above adult that is, brown like female if juvenile, I have only studied the one bird for 50 years plus now, sometimes plumage and eye colour can cross over, I have seen mature adult males with yellow eyes, but body size is a good way to tell if you are inexperienced I can smell the difference. well almost.

[DMPRITCHARD]

Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.

[rossy]

apart from it being a sparrowhawk , is the location, it would be very unusual for a goshawk to venture so close to a a building, unless it was an escapee, woods , forests are the norm, but sparrowhawks hold no fears on that score, whilst hunting for prey, rossy.

[accipter]

correct I have seen goshawks but like you say always in wooded area's if its in the open or near buildings its a good sign its a falconry bird, the female is buzzard size too.

[faz]

Originally Posted by accipter

yellow eye and white stripe above eye female.

doh yes it is a female derrrrrrrrr i was having a moment

[accipter]

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