Hi Tommy.

Happened to come by this Accipiter from San Diego.
However, imo it looks better for Cooper´s Hawk.
Reasons for that is:
1. Altough we are not able to see the nape, the dark crown
stands out and usually contrast with the paler nape.
2. The greyish ear-coverts (good contrast with the dark crown) suggest a male (male and female Sharp-shinned would have rufous cheeks)
Someone might argue that the white tail lack the wide tips of Cooper´s but that might just be due to wear. The important differences in tail feature of Cooper´s & Sharp-shinned is best view from the underside.

JanJ

For those not familiar with these two species and/or features described Some Cooper´s here & a SCH here

JanJ

...inte SCH utan SSH.

Hi Jan!

You´re quite right, its a Cooper´s Hawk, the size of the head compered with the size of body, also indicates a Cooper´s. By the way, the species are easier to distinguish while flying ;-) I´ll see to that the name will be corrected.
Tommy

Just for show - a few good images of Cooper´s & Sharp-shinned in flight
Cooper´s

JanJ

Hermed rettet.

Mvh

Rasmus