February 2005 -- This Cooper's Hawk was seen in a backyard in Mississauga. Cooper's Hawks and Sharp-shinned hawks are often mistaken for each other; without seeing them in person, to compare the size, flight
pattern, and body behaviour, though, it's always very hard to tell the difference
between them.
The two species differ with respect to several features, however. For example, the Cooper's tail is longer, is more rounded, and has a very heavy white tip. The Sharp-shinned Hawk's tail is more squared off at the end, and its white tip is not as bold or distinct.
(Photo by Wayne Noseworthy)
© Canadian Peregrine Foundation