The Cooper’s hawk is a medium-sized hawk that is found across much of North America. They are skilled hunters that specialize in hunting smaller birds in forests and woodlands. Cooper’s hawks play an important role as predators in many ecosystems. This has led many bird enthusiasts and wildlife managers to be interested in the distribution and population trends of Cooper’s hawks. One question that often arises is whether Cooper’s hawks can be found in the state of Kentucky.
Overview of Cooper’s Hawks
The Cooper’s hawk, scientific name Accipiter cooperii, is one of three Accipiter hawk species found in North America. The other two are the sharp-shinned hawk and the northern goshawk. Cooper’s hawks measure 13 to 20 inches in length and have a wingspan of 24 to 35 inches. They have blue-gray upperparts, reddish barring on their underparts, and reddish eyes.
Cooper’s hawks are found in forested areas across much of North America. Their breeding range extends from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They are migratory, spending winters in more southern parts of their range. Cooper’s hawks hunt small birds such as jays, doves, woodpeckers, and various songbirds by pursuing them through dense vegetation. They may also occasionally prey on small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Population Status
Cooper’s hawk populations declined in many areas between the 1940s and 1970s. This was largely due to the impacts of pesticides like DDT. Their populations have rebounded since DDT was banned in the United States in 1972. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of around 3.2 million Cooper’s hawks. They are not considered threatened or endangered at this time.
Range in Kentucky
Cooper’s hawks are found year-round throughout the state of Kentucky. They breed in forests across the state and are more widespread during migration and winter when individuals from farther north move into the region.
According to the Kentucky Breeding Bird Atlas project, Cooper’s hawks were confirmed nesting in over 90% of survey blocks between 2006 and 2011. This included confirmed nesting records from 118 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. Their nesting habitat included various forest types, both deciduous and coniferous.
The number of confirmed breeding records indicates that Cooper’s hawks are well-established breeding birds statewide. Their nesting distribution covers the entire state.
Population Changes
Analysis of breeding bird survey data shows that Cooper’s hawk populations have increased in Kentucky over the past few decades. Breeding bird surveys track bird population trends by collecting count data along roadside survey routes across North America.
The trend estimate for Cooper’s hawks in Kentucky from 1966-2015 shows a population increase of 2.11% per year. Their numbers have risen over this period as they have recovered from previous population lows. Christmas bird count data for Kentucky also shows increasing numbers of Cooper’s hawks being detected during the winter months.
Habitat
Cooper’s hawks use a variety of forested habitats for nesting in Kentucky. This includes various deciduous forest types, as well as pine and mixed pine-hardwood forests. They often nest in edge habitats near forest openings and in stands with a more open understory.
During migration and winter, Cooper’s hawks can also be found using urban parks, wooded suburbs, and other treed habitats. They are quite adaptable and can thrive in small woodlots if adequate prey is available. Kentucky’s mix of urban areas and extensive forests provide good habitat across the state.
Cooper’s Hawk Diet and Hunting
Cooper’s hawks are important predators of other bird species in Kentucky. Their specialized hunting skills and adaptable nature allow them to thrive across the state.
Prey
The diet of breeding Cooper’s hawks in Kentucky consists mainly of small- to medium-sized birds. Some key prey items include:
- Mourning doves
- Northern bobwhite
- Blue jays
- Woodpeckers
- American robins
- Common grackles
- Red-winged blackbirds
- European starlings
- Sparrows
- Warblers
They will also opportunistically prey on small mammals like chipmunks, bats, and squirrels. During migration and winter, Cooper’s hawks in Kentucky likely have a more varied diet depending on locally abundant food sources.
Hunting
Cooper’s hawks are stealthy hunters that pursue prey through dense vegetation. They typically perch quietly and scan for prey activity. Once a potential target is spotted, they launch into fast, agile pursuit through the trees. Their short, rounded wings and long tails give them excellent maneuverability.
In Kentucky, Cooper’s hawks often hunt along edges between forests and open areas. This allows them to ambush prey as it moves between habitat types. They are also adept at plucking songbirds directly from bird feeders in suburban areas. Cooper’s hawks will migrate south out of the northern parts of their range when prey becomes scarce in winter. Kentucky’s mild winters provide ample food sources year-round.
Interaction with Humans
Backyard Sightings
The increase in Cooper’s hawk populations has led to more frequent sightings of these birds near human development. Their ability to thrive around human activity means people may see or hear Cooper’s hawks in backyards, parks, and other suburban green spaces.
In Kentucky, Cooper’s hawks are quick to take advantage of new food sources like backyard bird feeders. While intimidating, they are generally not considered an aggressive species if left alone. It is best to stop feeding birds for a period if a Cooper’s hawk becomes a regular visitor to a feeder area.
Nesting Conflicts
There are occasional conflicts when Cooper’s hawks nest close to human structures and activity. Their nests are often 20-50 feet up in trees. While they usually avoid areas of heavy human use for nesting, increases in populations have led them to be more tolerant of disturbance.
Homeowners may be alarmed to find a large nest nearby and take active measures to remove it. It is important to remember that Cooper’s hawks are native birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Removal of nests with eggs or young is illegal without proper permits. Most conflicts can be avoided through temporary avoidance of nesting areas.
Overall Outlook
The adaptability and resilient nature of Cooper’s hawks has allowed them to thrive in Kentucky among human development and activity. While they sometimes cause concern when nesting near homes or attacking feeders, overall these hawks provide valuable ecosystem services. Their role as a predator of other bird species contributes to the balance of forest environments across the state. Continued conservation and tolerant coexistence will help maintain healthy Cooper’s hawk populations in Kentucky.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cooper’s hawks are year-round residents across the state of Kentucky. Breeding bird data confirms their nesting activities in all regions of the state. They utilize a variety of forest habitats and have adapted well to increased urbanization.
Cooper’s hawks play an important ecological role as predators of smaller bird species. Their populations in Kentucky have increased over the past few decades as they have recovered from previous declines. Continued conservation efforts focused on protecting nesting habitat will help ensure Cooper’s hawks remain a part of Kentucky’s forest ecosystems into the future.
