[Flycatcher]

Yes, the name sparrow hawk is a colloquialism that in America used to mean either the American kestrel (a falcon) or the sharp-shinned hawk (an accipiter). Funny story: about six months ago, my coworkers and I heard a screaming commotion outside the window. We went out and found a kestrel ripping into a freshly caught northern rough-winged swallow while other swallows screamed and circled about. I kept a swallow feather and taped it to my computer to remind me that it really is a bird-eat-bird world out there. (And I'm glad I'm not a bird, despite my handle!)

[coop71]

I had no idea! Thanks for the info. And yes, it is a bird-eat-bird world out there. :)

[Hot Tabasco]

a bird-eat-bird world

My bird feeders appear to be the drive-thru equivalent for the area hawks. Literally every morning I see feathers on the lawn but no carcasses.........

I know from observation that there are several red-tail hawks, an American Kestrel and what I thought to be a Sharp Shinned hawk that was inhabiting my drive-thru was more likely a Coopers Hawk........

A number of years ago when I lived in an apartment, I was walking the back walkway to the parking lot when Coopers Hawk swooped by me and when I turned around I watched him grab a dove which was literally 40 ft. from me and then fly off with it. Another time I was at a golf driving range and watched as a Red Tail hawk drop straight out of the sky onto a robin that was about 50 yards out in front of me.......

Nature is cruel and cool........