Cooper's Hawk

Brief Description

A medium-sized hawk with a long, rounded tail and relatively short, rounded wings. They are agile fliers known for hunting birds in wooded or suburban areas.

Additional Information

• Region of Origin: North America, ranging from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
• Typical Sighting Period: Year-round in much of the United States; migratory in northern regions during fall and spring.
• Plumage Details: Adults possess relative blue-gray upperparts and a dark cap, with fine reddish-orange horizontal barring on the underparts. Juveniles, like the one pictured, have brown upperparts with white mottling and vertical brown streaks on a white breast.
• Ecological Significance: Apex avian predator that helps regulate populations of small to medium-sized birds and rodents.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations are stable or increasing in many urban areas.
• Observation Tips: Often found near backyard bird feeders where they hunt songbirds. Look for them perched still in dense cover or flying at high speeds through vegetation.

Voice (Call & Song)

A series of sharp, nasal 'cak-cak-cak' notes, primarily used during the breeding season.

Nesting & Breeding

Builds stick nests high in trees, often towards the trunk. Lays 3-5 bluish-white eggs. Both parents defend the nest aggressively.

Similar Species

Sharp-shinned Hawk (smaller, squared tail, no dark cap contrast) and Northern Goshawk (much larger, distinctive white eyebrow).

Interesting Facts

Cooper's Hawks are sometimes called 'chicken hawks.' They are incredibly agile, using their long tails like rudders to navigate through thick branches at high speeds.