cooper’s hawk

1. Bird Name
Cooper’s Hawk, also known by its scientific name Accipiter cooperii.

2. Appearance
The adult Cooper’s Hawk is a medium to large-sized raptor, with a broad, rounded wings and a very long tail with rounded edges – a key feature of this species. The head is large, with a black cap and a hooked beak. It possesses bright red eyes, while young birds have yellowish eyes. Females are typically larger than males. Generally, they appear blue-gray on top, and the underside is finely barred with a white background and darker lines. The long tail is striped with thin black and white bands.

3. Size
Cooper’s Hawks have an average length of 35-48 cm (14-19 inches). In terms of wingspan, it can range anywhere from 62 to 90 cm (24.4-35.4 inches). The weight range is between 280 to 680 grams, with females typically heavier than males.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Cooper’s Hawks are found throughout North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They inhabit mainly forest and woodland areas, often near water bodies. However, they readily adapt to suburban and urban environments, especially where bird feeders are common.

5. Interesting Facts
Cooper’s Hawks were once known as “chicken hawks” because they were considered a threat to poultry. They are also an exciting part of the urban ecosystem since they successfully adapted to city life. Interestingly, they are agile fliers that can maneuver through tight spaces and dense foliage to catch prey.

6. Diet
The diet of Cooper’s Hawks consists mainly of birds, such as starlings, robins, and sparrows. They also eat small mammals like chipmunks, hares, and mice. Sometimes, they will consume reptiles and insects.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Cooper’s Hawks employ what’s called “still hunting,” where they perch silently on a high vantage point then rapidly dive onto their prey. Their mating ritual involves a lot of aerial displays, including chasing each other in the air. The call of a Cooper’s Hawk is a cackling sound, usually repetitive and harsh.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Cooper’s Hawk is currently listed as “Least Concern,” given its wide distribution and stable population size. While there was past decline due to persecution and pesticide use, the population has since rebounded.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, Cooper’s Hawks usually live up to 12 years, although there have been records of individuals reaching 20 years. Their longevity in captivity is not well documented but is generally believed to be slightly longer than their average lifespan in the wild.

10. Additional Notes
Locally, the Cooper’s Hawk is also known as Taïaut in French and Gavilán de Cooper in Spanish. These birds play a vital role in controlling the population of smaller birds and mammals within their ecosystem. Furthermore, they are generally shy and try to avoid humans, although they have been known to defend their nests vigorously if they perceive a threat.