I am not sure but these look like two birds of the same size. They appear to both be pigeons (pale underwings with dark outlines). This would be a common find in NYC. As for the likely raptor to take a pigeon midair- that would be a Peregrine Falcon. Neither of the birds in the photo are big enough to be a Peregrine. Looks like some pigeon dispute of sorts.

When I saw your post, my frist thought was we don't have ospreys in Iowa....they live near the ocean or a bay. Then I googled ospreys in Iowa....found there has been a program to re introduce them into suitable habitats and even if there seem to be no nesting pairs, they still are "passing through". I believe you are right...that it was an ospry...narrower wings than an eagle and the striping on the back and underside of the wings. But it sure was white....no hint of dark until it bent it's head down and preened and when it flew. Thanks...I am blown away by the thought of an ospry in my back yard!!!! I used to see them as a kid at the Jersey shore, nesting on about every 5th telephone pole.....but not in years and years! Damn that DDT!!! Linda C

You had it right the first time! It is an Osprey. The facial markings are unique to this species. A White-tailed Kite is significantly smaller than an Osprey (15 in versus 23 in) and, whereas it has black around its eyes, does not have this heavy dark line over the eye and down the neck (as the Osprey has). Also, that long neck is Osprey (WTKI has a short stubby neck). The all dark wings leading down to a dark tail also differ from the WTKI. And look at the size of that bill! That is for eating fish (and the WTKI has a smaller hooked bill for insects and small mammals). I also see the Osprey's characteristic yellow iris here (WTKI has red). The slight markings on the chest of this Osprey indicate it may be a juvenile. That may be what looked different about it. Glad to have a raptor question to answer! It's been slow around here!

The big birds are most likely Turkey or Black vultures; the hawk probably a Cooper's hawk. :)