Hi, is this a brown goshawk or a collared sparrowhawk?

Hello Albert

To be certain of ID in relation to goshawk or sparrowhawk, one needs to have good views of the following: the brow ridge (above the eye) which is more pronounced in the goshawk (giving it a frowning look compared to the staring look in the sparrowhawk); the feet (sparrowhawk has more slender feet with an elongated middle toe; and the tail (sparrowhawk has a square-tipped tail, goshawk has a rounded tail tip). There are also differences in wing shape when soaring.

As these are relatively small differences, ID is difficult, and when the bird is perched it can be difficult to see feet and tail (as in your image).

Based on the brow ridge, I would lean towards this being a goshawk. The feet also look reasonably robust. It is a juvenile bird.

Simon

Sorry Simon,
I seem to have accidentally put this on general discussion instead of post pics for ID.
Is there any way to change this?

Thanks, Alby

I can edit my posts by going to the original post and clicking on the mauve 'Edit' button below the post on the right. See if that works for you.

I don't think the "Edit' button allows members to change the Forum Category of a post.

I'll do that for you, moving the original post and all replies.

Rob