Quick Answer
No, a sparrowhawk and a Cooper’s hawk are two different species of hawk. The sparrowhawk is a bird of prey in the genus Accipiter, while the Cooper’s hawk is a medium-sized hawk native to North America. Though they have some similarities in appearance and behavior, they are distinct species with key differences.
Differences Between Sparrowhawks and Cooper’s Hawks
While sparrowhawks and Cooper’s hawks share some traits, there are several key differences between the two species:
Size and Shape
Sparrowhawks are small, slender hawks with long tails and wings, while Cooper’s hawks have a larger, broader shape and proportionately shorter tails and wings. Sparrowhawks measure 12-16 inches in length with a 24-35 inch wingspan. Cooper’s hawks are larger at 14-20 inches long with a 28-35 inch wingspan.
Coloration
Adult sparrowhawks have bluish-gray upperparts and orange-barred underparts, while adult Cooper’s hawks have blue-gray upperparts and reddish barring on their pale underparts. The markings help camouflage each species against their preferred wooded habitats.
Prey
Sparrowhawks mostly feed on small birds like sparrows, finches, and tits. Cooper’s hawks take larger prey like mourning doves, jays, woodpeckers, and squirrels. The larger size of the Cooper’s hawk allows it to hunt bigger prey.
Habitat
Sparrowhawks frequent dense woodlands across Eurasia, while Cooper’s hawks are found in open woodlands, forest edges, and semi-open habitats in North America. The Cooper’s hawk has adapted to thrive in urban and suburban environments as well.
Nesting
Sparrowhawks build nests in the old nests of other birds high up in trees, laying 3-7 eggs. Cooper’s hawks build a new nest each year low in the crotch of deciduous trees, laying 3-6 eggs. The different nesting strategy reflects the habitat preferences of each species.
Range
The sparrowhawk has a range across Europe and Asia, while the Cooper’s hawk is found throughout much of North America. Their ranges do not overlap. The Cooper’s hawk can be found as far south as Mexico, farther than the sparrowhawk’s southern range.
Similarities Between Sparrowhawks and Cooper’s Hawks
Despite their differences, sparrowhawks and Cooper’s hawks share some similar traits and behaviors:
Genus
Both raptors belong to the genus Accipiter, a group of short-winged, long-tailed hawks adept at flying through wooded areas. This relationship means they share common ancestry.
Diet
Sparrowhawks and Cooper’s hawks are both carnivores that prey predominantly on small birds and some small mammals. They use surprise attacks, grabbing prey mid-air with their sharp talons.
Breeding
The two Accipiter hawks have similar breeding habits. They are monogamous and remain paired for life with the same mate year after year.
Physical Attributes
In addition to their short wings and long tails, they share other features like yellow legs/feet, sharp hooked bills, and striking yellow eyes. Their slender bodies and long legs are adapted for chasing prey.
Behavior
Both species display similar behavior patterns including vocalizations like loud “kak-kak-kak” alarm calls. They are secretive woodland hawks that perch and nest in trees.
Trait | Sparrowhawk | Cooper’s Hawk |
---|---|---|
Size | 12-16 inches long | 14-20 inches long |
Wingspan | 24-35 inches | 28-35 inches |
Plumage | Blue-gray upperparts, orange-barred underparts | Blue-gray upperparts, reddish-barred underparts |
Prey | Small birds like sparrows | Larger birds like doves and jays |
Habitat | Woodlands in Eurasia | Semi-open woods and urban areas in North America |
Nesting | Old nests high in trees | New nests low in trees |
Range | Europe and Asia | North America |
The Species in Detail
Now that we’ve covered the key similarities and differences, let’s take a deeper dive into the specifics of each species:
Sparrowhawk
The sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) is a small bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which includes hawks, eagles, and other raptors. Some key facts about sparrowhawks:
- Length: 12-16 inches
- Wingspan: 24-35 inches
- Weight:
- Males: 3.4-5.8 oz
- Females: 7.8-15.6 oz
- Lifespan: Up to 16 years in wild, up to 21 years in captivity
- Habitat: Woodlands across Eurasia
- Diet: Mainly small birds like sparrows, finches, and tits
- Breeding: Nest in old nests in trees, lay 3-7 eggs, monogamous pairs
Sparrowhawks have blue-gray upperparts and barred orange underparts. They are adept at hunting in dense woodlands, using trees and vegetation as cover when targeting small bird prey. Sparrowhawks are fiercely territorial and nest in tall trees.
Cooper’s Hawk
The Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is a medium-sized hawk native to North America. Details about the species include:
- Length: 14-20 inches
- Wingspan: 28-35 inches
- Weight:
- Males: 7.8-14.5 oz
- Females: 11.6-24 oz
- Lifespan: Up to 12 years in wild
- Habitat: Forests, woodlands, urban areas
- Diet: Birds like doves, woodpeckers, jays; also rabbits, squirrels, lizards
- Breeding: Nest in trees, lay 3-6 eggs, monogamous pairs
With blue-gray upperparts and reddish-barred underparts, Cooper’s hawks blend into their wooded environments. A larger Accipiter, the Cooper’s hawk can prey on bigger birds and small mammals. It is boldly adaptable, thriving from deep woods to city parks.
Conclusion
In summary, while sparrowhawks and Cooper’s hawks share the Accipiter genus and some similar traits, they are distinct species native to different continents. The sparrowhawk is smaller and built for hunting little birds within dense Eurasian forests. The larger Cooper’s hawk has adapted to take more varied prey across many habitat types in North America. Their different size, shape, plumage, prey, habitat, nesting behavior, and geographic range set them apart as separate species. So a sparrowhawk is absolutely not the same as a Cooper’s hawk!