Answers
OLD NAME | ACTUAL NAME |
Marsh Hawk | Northern Harrier: Not to be confused with a Marsh Harrier which is a bird found in Europe. |
Pigeon Hawk | Merlin |
Sparrow Hawk or Sparrowhawk | American Kestrel |
Chicken Hawk or Chickenhawk | Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk or Red-tailed Hawk: Even though chickens are not part of their normal fare, by implying that these raptors are chicken killers, some hoped that people would not be outraged when these raptors were shot, poisoned or trapped. |
Grouse Hawk | Northern Goshawk |
Goose Hawk | Northern Goshawk: This is the origin of the bird’s common name no doubt. |
Duck Hawk | Peregrine Falcon |
Fish Hawk | Osprey |
Squirrel Hawk or Squirrelhawk | Ferruginous Hawk, most commonly, but was used for any Rough-legged Hawk |
Starling Hawk | This one does not really exist – but wouldn’t it be nice! |
References and Further Reading
http://www.towhee.net/history/archaic.html
http://birdnote.org/show/how-birds-names-change
Pages: 1 2