Hawk Identification

I have a note about identifying a migrating hawk that I would like to place on the blog. That is the importance of looking at the bird in question through all the angles it presents.

Many times, at great distances a migrating hawk will present a view that is impossible to discern between two or more species. It is for this reason that the hawkwatcher must discipline himself to make sure that he has viewed the bird through all possible angles before stating an identification of the bird.

The noted author and hawk identification expert, Peter Dunne, has derived an adage that well describes the quandary facing every hawkwatcher. That is “On any given day any species can look exactly like another species.” While the quote may not be exact I believe it is a very accurate paraphrase. If we accept the premise of Dunne’s Law then we must strive to look more closely at any bird in our purview that can be something other than what we came up with on the first sighting.

For instance, you have an eagle two to three miles out and the color markings are not so evident due to the distance. You want to note the length of the head in front of the body and wing in order to make the identification (ID). Once you see that the head length with reference to its prominence to the body is sort of short you will be inclined to call a Golden Eagle. But, did you see the short head length through all angles the bird presented?

Was the bird soaring toward you when you called it? If so, what did it show when it was directly overhead (full ventral view) or directly opposite of you? Had you taken down your binoculars after you called the bird out in front of you? The full ventral or directly opposite views will provide the only proper assessment of head length of the bird in question. A lack of these views will seriously jeopardize the acceptance of the identification. The dependence on the proportions of a migrating hawks body parts is essential, yet it requires viewing the bird through all possible angles.

Another for instance: Referring back to Peter Dunne he has stated that if the bird appears to be a buteo at first sight but becomes more like an accipiter, then the bird is probably a goshawk. A buteo at first sight must be looked upon through its complete flight past your observation point so that it will not be a goshawk when called a redtail. Ditto in converse for a Red-shoulder: If a bird appears at first to be a large accipiter and yet becomes a buteo then the “Through all angles” dictate has prevailed and the bird will probably exhibit some characteristic of a Red-shouldered hawk.

I have seen eager but inexperienced hawkwatchers repeatedly call falcons, accipiters. Accipiters, called harriers and broadwings and etc. Most of those false ID calls were made because the observer did not follow the bird through all the angles. It is watching the bird progress through all the angles it presents to you that will enable you to make a proper ID. If the bird does not present any other angle than the first one you saw then it should go on the report as unidentified (UN). Tail length, head length, wing length in proportion to the body will not be evident unless you follow the bird through all the angles it presents to you.

Of course, you must have determined by now that it is not necessary to be the first to make an ID. It is not even necessary to be the second to make an ID. In other words keep your mouth shut until you have viewed the bird through all angles. If you are alone it will be you who makes the record. Accuracy is just as important as being the one calling the hawks in a crowd. I submit this just to make it easier when in a crowd. Just make sure you use the prescribed methodology when alone.

Dave Holt