Cooper's Hawk

What it is

Cooper's hawk (Astur cooperii) is a medium-sized hawk native to the North American continent and found from southern Canada to Mexico. This species was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter. As in many birds of prey, the male is smaller than the female. The birds found east of the Mississippi River tend to be larger on average than the birds found to the west. It is easily confused with the smaller but similar sharp-shinned hawk. (Accipiter...

Where and when to find it

Habitat

Found across most of the US in woodlands, forests, and even suburban areas with tall trees. They like a mix of open and dense areas.

How to find it

Look for a medium-sized hawk with short, rounded wings and a long tail, often with dark bands. They fly quickly and often perch quietly in trees. Watch for birds in your backyard suddenly scattering – a Cooper's Hawk might be near!

Best time of day

Daytime, especially early morning or late afternoon when they hunt. Visible year-round in many areas.

How it lives

What it eats

Mostly medium-sized birds like doves, jays, starlings, and small mammals.

What eats it

Great Horned Owls, raccoons (eggs/young), very rarely other large raptors.

Worth knowing

• They are famous for their amazing flying skills through thick woods while chasing prey.
• Females are usually larger than males, which is common in many raptors.
• Their eyes are typically orange to red, becoming darker with age.
• They build stick nests high in trees and often reuse the same nest site for years.
• Young Cooper's Hawks have yellow eyes, which gradually change color as they get older.
• They can often be seen hunting around bird feeders, looking for an easy meal.

Why it matters

Cooper's Hawks help keep bird populations healthy and balanced by preying on weaker individuals. They are important raptors in many ecosystems.