[obol] Sharp-shinned Hawks

[Larry Cottrell]

" While a Sharpie could probably never
catch a pigeon on a "level" playing field,
they CAN kill them. I saw one carrying a
pigeon in SE Portland one winter day about
18 years ago. It couldn't get over 4 feet
off the ground, and soon dropped its prey"

I hate to disagree, but there is no way possible that a Sharpshin could ever even drag a full grown pigeon, much less carry one in the air. As for a comparison between the Sharpshin and the European Sparrow Hawk there is a lot of difference in size, with the Sparrow Hawk being much larger.(closer to 10 oz) A female Sharpie will weigh about 110 grams to 135 grams, (3.8 to 4.7 oz.) Almost all the pigeons that reside in my loft will weigh well in excess of 12 oz, even the runts. They will chase almost anything that flees. Circling chases with Jays and Flickers are a common occurrence in the fall with young and inexperienced Sharpies. None of the Sharpies that I have ever seen have been able to subdue a full grown quail. Much too tough. I am sorry but it is more than likely that you saw a small Coopers, the roadkill could have been a coincidence that influenced your memory.
Larry Cottrell

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