cooper hawks
1. Bird Name: The bird under consideration belongs to the Accipiter genus and is commonly known in English as the Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii).
2. Appearance: The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized bird-of-prey sporting a blend of steel-blue, slate-grey and deep burgundy colors. Adult birds carry darker blue-grey feathers on their dorsal side, complemented by a rusty, horizontal stripe pattern on the breast. The underparts of the wings, when viewed from below, are pale or whitish, with dark barring. The hawk’s eyes are a distinctive vibrant red in adults and a menacing yellow in juveniles. The beak is dark, hooked at the apex, neatly camouflaged by a black cerebral ridge. A marked difference in size, rather than coloration, distinguishes males from females—the latter being about one-third larger than the former.
3. Size: Measuring approximately 35-50 cm (14-20 inches) in length, with a wingspan ranging from 62 to 90 cm (24.5 to 35.5 inches), this hawk falls into the apex predator category. Weight generally varies from 220 to 680 grams (8 to 24 ounces), with female Cooper’s Hawks being the heavier sex.
4. Habitat & Distribution: Commonly spotted in woodland habitats and mature forests across North America, Cooper’s Hawks can adapt to urban and suburban settings too. They are found from southern Canada to Mexico, making them a nearly pan-American species.
5. Interesting Facts: Cooper’s Hawks were named after the American naturalist William Cooper, whose pioneering work contributed significantly to ornithology. Interestingly, these hawks have an acrobatic flight pattern of quick flaps followed by short glides. They’re also well-known for their audacious hunting habits, even hunting domestic chickens at times- earning them the nickname ‘chicken hawk.’
6. Diet: The diet of Cooper’s Hawks consists mainly of birds and small mammals, with a strong preference for pigeons, doves, and starlings. On occasion, they may also snack on insects and reptiles.
7. Behavior & Sounds: Male Cooper’s Hawks display unique courtship behaviors, involving aerial displays and food transfer to the female. The bird’s voice consists of a string of distinct “cak-cak-cak” calls utilized in various circumstances, including during courtship.
8. Conservation Status: Historically, the Cooper’s Hawk population suffered severely from pesticide poisoning in the mid-20th century, but they have made a strong recovery since the 1990s. According to the IUCN Red List, the bird is now classified as ‘Least Concern.’
9. Lifespan: The lifespan of the Cooper’s Hawk typically ranges from 8 to 12 years in the wild and may extend up to 20 years in captivity.
10. Additional Notes: Locally, generations of farmers have termed Cooper’s Hawks the ‘Big Blue Darter’ for their swift aerial dancing and slate-colored plumage. These hawks play crucial roles in their ecosystems by managing the population of smaller birds and rodents. Moreover, they generally have a low level of interaction with humans unless their nests are disturbed. During such instances, they are known to defend their nests intensely.
The intriguing blend of the Cooper’s Hawk’s formidable hunting skills, mesmerizing flight pattern, and elegant physical appearance makes it a favorite among bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and ornithologists alike.
