Fauna Flora Photography

Cooper's Hawk Accipiter striatus

A medium-sized hawk native to the Montreal area. Can be observed all year long in different parks. Difficult to spot as this species prefers to sit quietly on lower branches of trees looking out for prey.

How to Identify

Difficult to identify with certainty as the Sharp-shinned Hawk looks very similar. Shape and proportion of head and the square end of tail feathers while sitting are distinctive characteristics.

Cooper's Hawk Trivia

Is the Cooper's Hawk an endangered species?

No, it is actually one of the most common birds of prey in North America. Cooper's Hawks have shown remarkable adaptability to woodland fragmentation caused by human activities, often thriving in urban and suburban environments.

Is the Cooper's Hawk native to North America?

Yes, indeed. The Cooper's Hawk is indeed native to North America, with its range spanning from southern Canada to northern Mexico, from the east coast all the way through the west coast.

Is the Cooper's Hawk a migratory bird?

No. this species is primarily a sedentary bird, meaning it does not typically migrate long distances. However, some individuals in northern regions may migrate short distances southward in the winter to find more abundant prey.

Is the Cooper's Hawk mostly found in forests and woodlands?

Yes, however they are adaptable and can also be seen in various other habitats including urban and suburban areas. They are skilled hunters that thrive in environments with abundant prey, regardless of the specific vegetation cover

Does the Cooper's Hawk have predators?

No, it is an apex predator itself and doesn't have many natural predators as adults. However, young Cooper's Hawks may fall prey to larger raptors, such as Great Horned Owls or Red-tailed Hawks, or terrestrial predators like raccoons and snakes while they are still fledglings.

Does the Cooper's Hawk have a long lifespan for a bird raptor?

No, compared to some other bird raptors, such as eagles or vultures, the Cooper's Hawk generally has a shorter lifespan, typically ranging from 7 to 12 years in the wild. This shorter lifespan can be influenced by factors such as the risk of injury while hunting prey, as they pursue agile prey in dense vegetation.

Is the Cooper's Hawk the largest raptor in North America?

No, the Cooper's Hawk is not the largest raptor in North America. With a wingspan typically ranging from 60 to 90 centimeters, it is a medium-sized hawk. Larger raptors such as the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle exceed it in size, with wingspans exceeding 180 centimeters.

Can the Cooper's Hawk catch birds in flight?

Yes, the Cooper's Hawk is well-known for its agility and skill in catching birds in flight, even within dense vegetation like forests and woodlands. It often sits perched on a branch, using its speed and maneuverability to surprise and ambush smaller birds mid-flight.

Is the Cooper's Hawk monogamous?

Yes, the Cooper's Hawk is typically monogamous during the breeding season. However, if a partner dies or disappears, a bird may bond with a new individual. Additionally, there are occasional reports of males mating with more than one female during a breeding season.

Are Cooper's Hawk males and females involved in parenting?

Yes, both male and female Cooper's Hawks are involved in parenting. While the female Cooper's Hawk primarily incubates eggs and feeds hatchlings, the male plays a vital role in hunting for food and delivering it to the female.

Is the Cooper's Hawk well studied in the field of animal behavior?

Yes, the Cooper's Hawk is well studied in the field of animal behavior. Researchers have extensively studied its hunting techniques, nesting habits, and social behaviors, providing valuable insights into predator-prey dynamics and avian ecology.

Is the Cooper's Hawk popular among wildlife enthusiasts?

Yes, the Cooper's Hawk is popular among wildlife enthusiasts. Its widespread distribution in rural and suburban areas, striking appearance, and impressive hunting skills make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Where and When to Spot

All year around although less frequent in winter. Best time of the year to spot this species is in April when the lack of foliage provides better view in forests. Look out for lower branches of trees.

Where and when a species has been observed, identified, and recorded.

References

• Wikipedia

Last updated on 2024-04-24. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.