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Birders

WestMichRad

(2,943 posts)

7. Books have been published on this subject.

Reply to sinkingfeeling (Original post)

Tue Jan 6, 2026, 07:13 AM

Tuesday

One such is “Hawks in flight”
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hawks-in-flight-david-sibley/1000120053

Basically it comes down to recognizing the silhouette/shape and any discernible color pattern. If you can get an edge view (looking at front or back) of the bird, the angle made by the extended wings (called the dihedral angle) is very diagnostic for many species.

Good birding to you!

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Highlight:

How does one tell if a soaring bird is a hawk or an eagle or a falcon? There are many large ones flying over [View all] sinkingfeeling Jan 5 OP

Guides are useful on the ground. In air, that is more difficult, but Raptor ID app can help... hlthe2b Jan 5 #1

Thank you. sinkingfeeling Jan 5 #3

Agree. Get a good guide and learn what species are in your area and if you are on a migratory path as hawks go south. surfered Jan 5 #4

The internet says: (mostly hawk vs. eagle) usonian Jan 5 #2

Thanks. I'll view the video and read up. sinkingfeeling Jan 5 #6

I usually just wing it. 2MuchNoise Jan 5 #5

Books have been published on this subject. WestMichRad Tuesday #7