What's my name - raptor

[buddy4344]

Hi guys,
I was shooting some landscapes today (eastern PA) and ran into this little hawk. I am not much on identifying except for red tails. This fellow was about 1/3 the size of a red-tail and had a playmate of the same size, but I was only able to catch this shot. Any help in giving me a name would be appreciated.

[JC4]

Probably a Sharp-Shinned Hawk. Same basic plumage as a Coopers Hawk, but smaller.

Pretty bird, good capture.

[hTr]

It looks to me like a young Broad wing hawk

See Link for mor Info: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Broad-winged_Hawk.html

[sonic72]

looks like a female merlin to me, but whatever it is great photo.they breed a few miles from me fantastic birds

[buddy4344]

I think this was a mature bird. As I noted, a "twin" came up to him on the power line and they had a minor skirmish. I couldn't get to my camera quick enough to record the event, but the other bird was identical in size.

[chubri777]

Merlin for me

[Rubberhead]

My first, and only, thought is Merlin.