Cooper’s Hawks are medium-sized hawks found throughout most of North America. They can be a fairly common backyard bird in some regions, while considered rare in others. The rarity of seeing a Cooper’s Hawk depends on several factors.
Range and Population
Cooper’s Hawks have an extensive range across North America. They breed throughout much of the United States and Canada, and migrate south to winter in Mexico and parts of Central America. Their total global population is estimated at around 1 million birds.
Within their widespread range, Cooper’s Hawks are more commonly found in some areas compared to others. They tend to be most abundant in wooded regions, especially along forest edges, in both rural and suburban areas. Their populations increased during the 1900s with the regrowth of forests across North America.
Identification
Properly identifying a Cooper’s Hawk is key to determining how rare or common sightings may be. These hawks have distinctive features that set them apart from other bird species:
- Medium-sized, between 14 to 20 inches in length
- Blue-gray upperparts and pale underparts with reddish barring on the belly
- Long banded tail with rounded tip
- Bright yellow eyes
- Distinct head shape – rounded crown and broad shoulders
Cooper’s Hawks are very similar in appearance to the larger Northern Goshawk. Careful observation of size and plumage differences is needed to correctly differentiate the two species.
Abundance and Rarity
Whether sightings of Cooper’s Hawks are rare depends significantly on the specific location:
- Common in the Pacific Northwest, other forested parts of the western U.S., southern Canada, and portions of the northeastern U.S.
- Uncommon and local in the Midwest and Great Plains regions
- Rare in the arid southwest U.S. and Mexico
Within their common range, Cooper’s Hawks can be regular backyard birds, even in suburban neighborhoods where they hunt small birds attracted to feeders. Seeing one would not be considered rare.
In the central plains and desert southwest, where native habitat is sparse, sightings are much rarer and restricted to riparian corridors. Here, spotting a Cooper’s Hawk would be unusual.
Seasonal Patterns
The likelihood of observing a Cooper’s Hawk also varies seasonally:
- More likely during spring and fall migration
- Least likely in winter when they migrate south
- Also less likely in midsummer when adults are busy with nesting duties
During spring and fall, Cooper’s Hawks pass through areas far outside their normal breeding ranges, increasing sighting opportunities. Patience and strategically checking habitat such as woodlots and wetlands improves the odds of spotting a migrating hawk.
Behaviors
Cooper’s Hawk behaviors can make them harder to detect in some situations:
- Skilled at stealthily hunting within dense tree canopies
- Ambush predators that perch quietly scanning for prey
- Can rapidly dart through vegetation in pursuit of prey
- Shy away from human presence and noise
Their ability to deftly maneuver through and blend into thickets makes Cooper’s Hawks cryptic. Their tendencies to hunt from concealment and avoid human activity further reduces their visibility. With patience, you may spy one perched or soaring above its woodland habitat.
Population Changes
Cooper’s Hawk populations were severely depleted in the mid-1900s from pesticide use and persecution:
- DDT and other chemicals built up in the food chain, causing eggshell thinning
- Viewed by farmers as a threat to poultry and targeted for control
With environmental regulations banning DDT and changing attitudes towards predators, Cooper’s Hawk populations have rebounded in recent decades. Now considered a Least Concern species by conservation organizations.
Their adaptability to living in urban and suburban areas has also fostered growth of Cooper’s Hawk populations. Sightings are less rare today compared to 50 years ago in many parts of their range.
Conclusion
Whether sightings of Cooper’s Hawks are considered rare largely depends on the location, season, habitat, and population trends specific to that area. Several factors make observations more likely or unlikely:
- More common in forested regions, uncommon on plains
- Seasonal fluxes in abundance related to migration cycles
- Stealthy hunting from cover reduces visibility
- Recovery from pesticide era increases modern populations
With a knowledgeable eye and exploration of their preferred wooded habitats, patient observers can still spy this elusive Accipiter hawk. Their adaptability ensures Cooper’s Hawks remain a regular sight from wilderness to backyards in healthy forest ecosystems across North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Cooper’s Hawks most likely to be found?
Cooper’s Hawks are most likely to be found in forested areas, especially along edges between woods and open fields or meadows. They prefer habitat mosaic environments with a mix of dense tree cover and openings. Rural woodlots, city parks, and suburban neighborhoods with mature trees provide prime Cooper’s Hawk habitat.
What time of day are Cooper’s Hawks most active?
Cooper’s Hawks are most active in the morning and afternoon as they hunt for prey, especially small birds like doves, jays, woodpeckers, and robins. They often rest during midday. Cooper’s Hawks may be spotted soaring above the forest canopy or perched on tree branches scanning for potential prey during peak activity periods.
What is a good way to try and spot a Cooper’s Hawk?
One of the best ways to spot a Cooper’s Hawk is to listen and watch for signs of alarm calls and mobbing behavior from other birds. Small songbirds will often form flocks to harass hawks perched in trees or flying through the area. Following these mobbing birds may lead you to a Cooper’s Hawk hidden in the branches above.
What does a Cooper’s Hawk sound like?
Cooper’s Hawks don’t vocalize very much, but they may make a loud “kik-kik-kik” cackling sound during the breeding season. When nestlings in the nest, they give a pleading call described as a high “peep peep.” Young fledglings also beg with a squealing “klee-uk” noise when seeking food from parents.
How can you attract Cooper’s Hawks to your yard?
You can make your yard more attractive to Cooper’s Hawks by landscaping with native trees, shrubs, and brush piles they can use for perches and cover. Providing feeders with songbirds they prey on, such as mourning doves, is also appealing. But be aware they may hunt desirable feeder birds as well as pests!
Comparison with Other Hawk Species
Cooper’s Hawks share the Accipiter genus with the Sharp-shinned Hawk and Northern Goshawk. They are woodland hawks adapted for maneuvering through dense cover in pursuit of prey. Distinguishing features of these three species include:
Species | Length | Wingspan | Prey | Habitat |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sharp-shinned Hawk | 9 to 13 inches | 20 to 28 inches | Small birds like sparrows, warblers | Mixed and coniferous forests |
Cooper’s Hawk | 14 to 20 inches | 27 to 37 inches | Medium birds like doves, thrushes | Deciduous and mixed forests |
Northern Goshawk | 19 to 26 inches | 40 to 46 inches | Large birds like grouse, pheasants | Coniferous and aspen forests |
Cooper’s Hawks occupy a middle ground between the tiny Sharp-shinned Hawk and the powerful Northern Goshawk. Their intermediate size allows them to hunt diverse woodland songbirds with great agility through dense timber.
Backyard Identification Tips
Cooper’s Hawks are attracted to backyard habitats that provide cover plus abundant prey like feeder birds. Follow these tips to identify them:
- Look for a medium-sized hawk about the size of a crow.
- Watch for a long banded tail and rounded head profile.
- Note blue-gray upperparts and reddish barred underparts.
- Listen for alarm calls and check mobbing flocks of small birds.
- Watch for swift attacks on feeder birds from a concealed perch.
With practice, the distinguishing traits of Cooper’s Hawks become easier to recognize. Their bold hunting behaviors in suburban areas provide opportunities to identify them.
Appreciating Cooper’s Hawks
Although they can be a nuisance by preying on feeder birds, Cooper’s Hawks play an important ecological role as predators. Ways to appreciate them include:
- Enjoying their aerial agility and skill in navigating timber.
- Marveling at their stealthy hunting techniques.
- Learning about their natural history.
- Photographing their behaviors.
- Understanding their place in a balanced ecosystem.
With protected status and expanding populations, opportunities abound to observe these remarkable woodland raptors across much of the continent. Whether sightings in your area are rare or not, take time to appreciate Cooper’s Hawks in their element!