RAPTOR I.D. PLEASE???

[Annette Hugen]

Please help me with this bird I.D. I think this is a Cooper's Hawk. I live in Fort Smith, AR and we have many of them but somebody on a different forum told me that it was a Merlin. I don't think so because this bird was larger than a Merlin. Any help would be appreciated! Annette

[Diane Miller]

I'm surprised at no responses here. I barely know a hawk from a robin, but can somebody help Annette with this one?

Thanks!

[Annette Hugen]

Thanks Diane! I am quite surprised too! I've checked back several times to see if I have had a reply. I thought this would be an easy I.D. for the birders on this site!

[Roy Priest]

It is a Merlin.

[Dan Brown]

Looks like a Merlin to me also. Merlins are larger than Kestrels. Size can be a tricky field ID feature. For me, this bird with it's large head and tail markings is a Merlin, probably a female.

[kevin Hice]

Hi Annette yes it is one of three subspecies this one being columbaris. A female which are about one third larger than the males.Adult and juvenile females have close to the same plumage. Males tend to be slate grey.

[Annette Hugen]

Thank you all for your input; I will bow to the masters and tag this as a Merlin!! Much appreciated. Annette

[Sandy Witvoet]

Merlin for me too! Similar in size to a Sharpie with a bit shorter tail...a side view should show a slight moustache. (love the "angry bird" look here!)