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?

Click here to add your own comments

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

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to What Is This Bird?.



Coming Soon

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. Pink bellied black bird?

    Sep 21, 17 09:29 AM

    We had a bird about the size of a woodpecker which acted like a woodpecker on our tree two days ago. The most distinctive feature was a light pink belly.

    Read More

  2. YellowGreen Bird ID help

    Sep 08, 17 04:37 PM

    This bird is about the size of a small cardinal. I have never seen it at a feeder but it comes to the bird bath. The photo is not the best but hopefully

    Read More

  3. Paul

    Sep 03, 17 09:24 PM

    A relative went to HB class. They found it is safe and more effective to use 2 water to 1 sugar. I use 4 cups of boiling water into 2 cups sugar.

    Read More