Is this a Goshawk?

[smittyone@cox.net]

Seen today in NW Missouri.  I initially thought it might be a Sharp-shinned hawk, but noticed the tiny bill.  Could this be an immature Northern Goshawk?  If so, it'd be a lifer for me.

[Jerry Friedman]

That's a Cooper's Hawk.  The bill is too big for a Sharpie and smoothly continues the curve of the top of the head, and the eyebrow ridge is too strong for a Sharpie.  An immature Northern Goshawk would have much more heavily marked underparts, with spots on the entire belly, legs, and undertail coverts.  It would also look distinctly small-headed--like a Sharp-shin, oddly enough.

The underpart markings are unusual, I believe--just thin streaks without the dark ovals around them.

[RobinHood]

Agree with Cooper's Hawk for the reasons stated. The streaking on young birds varies quite a bit - like this one, the more common tear drop shape and quite blobby almost like a Sharpie, but almost always a dark brown colour rather than rusty.

[smittyone@cox.net]

Well that's too bad.  But thanks for the ID, and the reasons for it.  I appreciate it.