Raptor ID can be tough, and with the limited views of photos it can be tougher. But it's definitely not a Cooper's hawk-the tail is too short and squared-off. It's not a Red-tailed either, the bill is too small. I think your bird is an immature Red-shouldered Hawk. A few imm. Red-shouldered have turned up lately in photo ID questions on the GW bird forums. I won't say I'm positive, but I'm pretty sure yours is another.

-O-

I would say Red Shoulder too but Orrin will agree every hawk I see that doesn't have a red tail is a shouldered [grin]..

compare what you remember to this one and see what you think.

Here is a link that might be useful: Photos from the Edge, of Tennessee

Hi all,

This is an immature hawk (Brown, pale eyes, breast streaking,...)

This bird has a buteo shape (large body and head, short tail, and like Elly said, the wing tips reach tip of the tail.)

Nathan was right comparing the breast streaking of Cooper with Sharpie, but, what we have here is a buteo not an accipiter.

The streaking extends all over the breast and upper breast of that bulky bird, so it is not a Red-tailed Hawk wich show a clear patch on upper breast.
The outer feathers of the tail show neat barring, not a faded one like we see on immature Red-tailed or immature Broad-winged (Broad-winged Hawk are still far South anyway).

Elaine, your bird is an immature Red-shouldered Hawk like Orrin and Bob said.

Luc

Oh, I thought it was a broadie. I did not realize the detail about the tail, as Luc pointed out.

Thanks, Luc.

This has been fascinating. Here's the tally, from this thread and the one on the wildlife garden forum:

Red-shouldered: 4 votes
Cooper's: 3
Broad wing: 2
Swainson: 1

Sure wish we could ask the hawk!

If you ask the hawk, his answer would be

"HUNGRY, I'm a HUNGRY hawk, got a problem with that???"

and once again, Thanks, Luc..

Here is a link that might be useful: Photos from the Edge, of Tennessee

Alright, I admit I didnt think Buteo on this one, despite the fact that its bulky and has a very short tail. I just saw that streaking and thought Coopers. But the streaking does look a little light for a red shouldered, but I guess I will agree it is a red shouldered.
Nathan

From your tally birds, Cooper's has been eliminated (the bird is clearly a buteo), and the Swainson's suggestion is based on a confusing tail band reference, ruled out because the breast pattern is wrong.

The lineatus race of Red-shouldered shows finer streaking than other eastern races, and more closely resembles imm Broad-winged. But Broad-winged is much less likely in winter, and Luc has pointed out the difference in tail barring between those two. All things considered, I think we have a winner with imm. Red-shouldered Hawk of the lineatus race (you could ask the hawk, but I seriously doubt it'd tell you different).

-O-

Hey, Orrin, it may be winter, but migration has started.

The days are longer.