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.

Specs

Length35-46cm
Weight250-550g male, 350-700g female
Wingspan60-86cm

Common Names

GermanRundschwanzsperber
EnglishCooper's Hawk
FrenchÉpervier de Cooper
SpanishGavilán de Cooper

Taxonomy

OrderAccipitriformes
FamilyAccipitridae
SpeciesAccipiter striatus

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.

Coopers Hawk (Accipiter striatus) - Parc Mont-Royal - 2016-03-20
Coopers Hawk (Accipiter striatus) - Parc Mont-Royal - 2015-10-03

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.

SpringSummerFallWinter
Parc Angrignon x - - -
Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies x - - -

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

Last updated on 2023-12-15. 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.