Falcon or Owl?

by Rob Smith
(Waxhaw, NC)

We have a large, white spotted chest, bird in our back yard that has a body like an owl but a face similar to a falcon. Would love to know more about this bird. See attached picture.

Comments for Falcon or Owl?

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Jun 10, 2011
 Or-
by: Anonymous

To add to your confusion it could also be a Sharp-shinned hawk- you'd have them in your area alongside Cooper's. They are very difficult to tell apart. I've got all three species where I live, so I just refer to them as hawks :) which incidentally doesn't bother them one bit.
Feb 18, 2011
 Alberta birder
by: Anonymous

The bird is neither a falcon or an owl.
It is an accipiter. There are three in this species. This one with the rounded tail end is a Cooper hawk.
Cheers
Mac
Jan 07, 2011
 Could be
by: Jerry

This might be a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk.I live in Union County also. I have seen some Northern Harriers lately.
Dec 27, 2010
 possibly these?
by: I love birds!

Well, I am not super good at this stuff because i am a progressing beginner birder, but you can look around and compare this bird with these on the web: Red shouldered hawk, prarie falcon, and, i know this lives totally not where you live, but it could be possible: a Gyrfalcon. Sorry if these are not it, but again, i am a beginner! =) i hope this helps

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