Cooper’s hawks are skilled hunters that live in woodlands across North America. These medium-sized hawks have long tails and reddish eyes. They fly swiftly through trees to catch smaller birds and mammals.
Cooper’s hawks can be found in forests, parks, and even backyards. They build nests high up in trees and raise their young during spring and summer. Male Cooper’s hawks are smaller than females, which is common for birds of prey.
Many people enjoy watching Cooper’s hawks, but they can be tricky to spot. These birds are quiet and blend in well with their surroundings. Birdwatchers often see them perched on branches or soaring above treetops looking for food.
Species Overview
Cooper’s hawks are medium-sized raptors known for their agility and hunting prowess. These woodland birds of prey have adapted to pursue and capture smaller birds in flight through dense forest canopies.
Scientific Classification
Cooper’s hawks belong to the genus Accipiter in the family Accipitridae. Their scientific name is Accipiter cooperii. They are closely related to sharp-shinned hawks and northern goshawks.
These birds are named after William Cooper, a 19th-century American naturalist. Cooper’s hawks are part of the larger group of “true hawks” that includes other agile forest raptors.
Physical Description
Cooper’s hawks have a distinctive appearance. Adults have bluish-gray upperparts and reddish barring on their underparts. Their tails are rounded with dark bands.
They show obvious size differences between males and females:
- Males: 14-17 inches long, 1-1.5 pound weight
- Females: 17-20 inches long, 1-2 pound weight
Cooper’s hawks have short, rounded wings and long tails. This body shape allows them to maneuver quickly through trees. Their eyes are red or orange, and they have a sharp, hooked beak for tearing prey.
Distribution and Habitat
Cooper’s hawks live across most of North America. Their range extends from southern Canada to northern Mexico. These birds can be found year-round in much of the United States.
They prefer woodlands and forest edges as their main habitat. Cooper’s hawks have also adapted well to suburban and urban areas with enough tree cover. During breeding season, they seek out mature forests for nesting.
In winter, some northern populations migrate south. Others remain in their breeding territories year-round if food is available. Cooper’s hawks are becoming more common in cities, where they hunt pigeons and other urban birds.
Behavior
Cooper’s hawks exhibit fascinating behaviors in their daily lives. They are known for their agile flying, hunting skills, and unique breeding habits.
Feeding Habits
Cooper’s hawks are skilled hunters that mainly prey on birds and small mammals. They use stealth to catch their food, flying low through trees and bushes. These hawks can chase birds through dense forests at high speeds.
Delaware is home to a variety of hawks, including the Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk, which are commonly spotted throughout the state. These hawks thrive in diverse habitats such as forests, open fields, and urban areas, making Delaware an excellent place for birdwatching. Learn more about hawks that live in Delaware to deepen your appreciation for these remarkable raptors.
When hunting, Cooper’s hawks use short bursts of wing flaps followed by gliding. This helps them move quickly and quietly. They often perch and wait for prey to come near before swooping down to catch it.
Their diet mostly includes medium-sized birds like doves, robins, and jays. They also eat squirrels, chipmunks, and mice. Cooper’s hawks have strong feet and sharp talons that help them grab and hold onto their prey.
Breeding Patterns
Cooper’s hawks typically breed once a year. They start their courtship in late winter or early spring. Males perform sky-dancing displays to attract females. This involves soaring high and then diving down repeatedly.
These hawks are monogamous and often return to the same nesting area each year. Both partners work together to build the nest, which is usually placed high in a tree. The female lays 3-5 eggs and does most of the incubation.
Incubation lasts about a month. After hatching, the chicks stay in the nest for 4-5 weeks. Both parents feed and protect the young. The male brings food while the female stays at the nest.
Migration
Cooper’s hawks show varied migration patterns. Some migrate long distances, while others stay in the same area year-round. Their migration habits often depend on where they live and food availability.
Hawks from northern areas typically fly south for the winter. They may travel to the southern United States or even Central America. Migration usually happens in the fall, with birds returning north in spring.
During migration, Cooper’s hawks often follow routes that offer good hunting opportunities. They may stop at places with lots of birds, like wetlands or forests. Some hawks living in warmer areas don’t migrate at all, staying in their territories throughout the year.
Conservation Status
Cooper’s hawks have experienced population fluctuations over the decades. Their numbers have rebounded in recent years due to conservation efforts and adaptations to urban environments.
Population Trends
Cooper’s hawk populations declined in the mid-20th century. This drop was linked to DDT use and human persecution. Since the 1970s, their numbers have increased significantly.
The species has shown remarkable recovery. Current estimates put the global breeding population at 1 million birds. About 84% live in the U.S., while 16% reside in Canada.
Cooper’s hawks have adapted well to suburban and urban areas. This has helped boost their population. They now nest in city parks and residential neighborhoods.
Conservation Efforts
Many groups work to protect Cooper’s hawks. The American Bird Conservancy focuses on reducing threats to these birds.
One major threat is collisions with windows. Up to a billion birds die each year from glass collisions in the U.S. alone. Efforts to make buildings more bird-friendly are ongoing.
Habitat protection is also key. Preserving woodlands and urban green spaces helps Cooper’s hawks thrive. Some cities have programs to plant trees and create hawk-friendly areas.
Monitoring programs track Cooper’s hawk populations. This data helps guide conservation strategies. Citizen science projects allow the public to contribute to these efforts.
Interaction With Humans
Cooper’s hawks often come into contact with people in both urban and rural areas. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse environments, leading to various interactions with humans.
Birdwatching Guide
Cooper’s hawks are a favorite among birdwatchers due to their striking appearance and hunting skills. To spot these birds, look for their distinctive long tail and rounded wings. They often perch on tree branches or soar above open areas.
The best time to see Cooper’s hawks is during migration seasons in spring and fall. Bring binoculars and a field guide to help with identification. Listen for their high-pitched “kek-kek-kek” call, which can alert you to their presence.
Patience is key when watching these hawks. They may stay in one spot for long periods before suddenly diving to catch prey.
Impact on Agriculture
Cooper’s hawks play a complex role in agriculture. They help control pest populations by hunting rodents and small birds that might damage crops. This natural pest control can benefit farmers by reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
However, these hawks sometimes prey on chickens and other small poultry. This behavior has earned them the nickname “chicken hawk” in some areas. Farmers can protect their flocks by using covered enclosures or netting.
Cooper’s hawks also hunt songbirds that visit backyard feeders. While this is natural behavior, it can be upsetting for bird enthusiasts. To deter hawks, place feeders near bushes or trees that offer shelter for smaller birds.
Diet
Cooper’s hawks are skilled hunters that primarily feed on small to medium-sized birds and some small mammals. Their diet and hunting techniques are well-suited to their woodland habitats.
Hunting Techniques
Cooper’s hawks use stealth and speed to catch their prey. They often perch quietly in trees, watching for potential targets. When a prey animal is spotted, the hawk swoops down quickly to grab it. These hawks are very agile flyers. They can chase birds through thick forest cover.
Cooper’s hawks use their sharp talons to capture and kill prey. They squeeze their catch tightly until it stops moving. Sometimes they even drown birds by holding them underwater. This method is different from falcons, which use their beaks to kill prey.
Preferred Prey
Small and medium-sized birds make up most of a Cooper’s hawk’s diet. Common prey includes robins, jays, starlings, and quail. They also eat doves, woodpeckers, and songbirds. Smaller male hawks tend to catch smaller birds than females.
Cooper’s hawks will eat some mammals too. Chipmunks, squirrels, and mice are part of their diet. They may also catch lizards or snakes at times. In cities, these hawks often hunt pigeons and mourning doves.
Reproduction
Cooper’s hawks have unique mating and nesting behaviors. They form monogamous pairs and breed once a year. Their reproductive cycle involves courtship displays and careful nest building.
Mating Rituals
Cooper’s hawks start their mating rituals in early spring. Males perform aerial displays to attract females. They soar high and dive steeply, showing off their flying skills. On the ground, males offer food gifts to potential mates.
Once paired, the hawks engage in mutual preening. This strengthens their bond. Mating occurs multiple times over several days. Cooper’s hawks often stay with the same partner for many breeding seasons.
Nesting Habits
Cooper’s hawks build large nests in tall trees. They prefer dense forests or woodlands for nesting sites. The nest is a sturdy platform made of sticks and twigs. It measures about 24 to 30 inches across and up to 17 inches deep.
Both parents work on nest construction. They line it with bark, leaves, and fresh green twigs. Females lay 3 to 5 eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts about 30 to 36 days. The male brings food while the female sits on the eggs.
After hatching, chicks stay in the nest for 4 to 5 weeks. Both parents feed and protect them during this time.
Vocalizations
Cooper’s hawks use various calls and sounds to communicate. Their vocalizations serve specific purposes in different situations.
Common Calls
Cooper’s hawks are often quiet outside of breeding season. Their main call is a loud “kac-kac-kac” or “cak-cak-cak” sound. This call lasts 2-5 seconds. Both male and female hawks make this noise. Males typically produce higher-pitched and faster calls than females. However, this difference is not always consistent. Some Cooper’s hawks also make a grating sound.
Communication Purpose
Cooper’s hawks use calls for courtship and nest defense. During breeding season, pairs become more vocal. They use calls to attract mates and mark their territory.
When protecting their nest, both male and female hawks make loud alarm calls. These sounds warn intruders to stay away. Cooper’s hawks may also vocalize when hunting or interacting with other hawks.
Their calls help them coordinate activities and stay in touch with family members. Young hawks often make begging calls to get food from their parents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooper’s Hawk Bird
What does a Cooper’s Hawk look like?
Cooper’s Hawks are medium-sized birds of prey with slate-gray upperparts, reddish barring on their white underparts, and long, rounded tails with dark bands. Adults have striking red eyes, while juveniles have yellow eyes. Their large heads and sharp beaks are distinct features that aid in identifying them.
What do Cooper’s Hawks eat?
Cooper’s Hawks primarily feed on small to medium-sized birds, such as starlings, sparrows, and pigeons. They also hunt mammals like squirrels, rodents, and occasionally reptiles like snakes and lizards. These hawks are opportunistic predators and adapt their diet to the prey available in their habitat.
Where can Cooper’s Hawks be found?
These hawks inhabit diverse environments across North America, from dense forests to urban and suburban areas. They are year-round residents in the U.S., while northern populations migrate to southern regions during winter.
How can you distinguish a Cooper’s Hawk from a Sharp-shinned Hawk?
Cooper’s Hawks are generally larger, with rounded tails and larger heads that extend beyond their wings in flight. Sharp-shinned Hawks, in contrast, have squared tails and smaller, proportionally rounded heads. Observing their size, flight patterns, and tail shape helps distinguish between them.
Are Cooper’s Hawks endangered?
No, Cooper’s Hawks are not endangered. They are classified as a species of “Least Concern” by conservation authorities due to their stable and widespread populations. Their adaptability to urban environments has contributed to their resilience.
Do Cooper’s Hawks hunt near bird feeders?
Yes, these hawks are known to hunt near bird feeders, taking advantage of the smaller birds they attract. If a Cooper’s Hawk frequents your yard, temporarily removing feeders can encourage the hawk to move on.
