Ronaldo

Saw this accipiter near Luk Keng this afternoon. very active, circling at quite low altitude but at a fast pace.

Hesitating between Besra and Japanese Sparrowhawk, considering small size. tending towards Japanese S. as tail seems short.

Could you please help confirm id?

Thanks

Ronaldo

Unfortunately, my camera was in my bag at the time the bird was spotted, so hard to focus on settings at the same time as looking at the bird. It is definitely not a goshawk and size would not match other sparrowhawks. I already saw a besra two years ago in nearby area (<1km away). Unfortunately, could not check at home for the mesial stripe barring. Here is a full lightened picture via photoshop. Hope it helps...

Thanks a lot,