Sharp-shinned Hawk visits the bird feeding area

I have never seen a Sharp-shinned hawk before. But, today I got lucky. As I glanced out the kitchen window this morning, an adult was sitting quietly on a branch of the maple tree that holds the bird feeder. I have so much trouble identifying birds as different species often have similar characteristics. Here is what a more experience bird watcher said about this bird,

"Adult Sharp-shinned Hawk on this one. Although the first pic makes it look like it has a darker cap, this bird shows a small head, large eyes, tiny bill, and tail feathers all the same length—perfect for a Sharpie."

He flew to another branch and I was able to photograph his chest, so you can see all the pretty feathering. But, I learned that the birds of the Genus Accipiter are short-winged, long tailed birds that look so much alike that they are difficult to distinguish from one another. When perched, look at the "color and pattern of the head, nape (neck), and underparts and leg thickness." In flight, observe "shape, wingbeats, and overall color and pattern of underparts." For Sharp-shinned Hawks versus Cooper's Hawks (which I originally though this one was), the tail is different. The Sharp-shinned Hawks have shorter, square tails while the Cooper's Hawks have longer rounded tails. Cooper's Hawks also have bigger heads with longer beaks. Sooo much to learn! And, that is what makes birds so fun to see!

For quotes: Sibley, David A. The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf, 2000.