Cooper’s hawks are medium-sized hawks with long tails and short, rounded wings perfect for flying swiftly through dense forested areas. Their size and shape can be mistaken for a few other hawk species that occupy similar habitats and share some physical similarities.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk
The sharp-shinned hawk is most often confused with the Cooper’s hawk. Though the Cooper’s is larger, these two accipiters appear almost identical at first glance. They share similar coloration, with blue-gray backs and reddish barred underparts.
These two hawks also have comparable shape – short, rounded wings and a long tail. They occupy the same habitats, mainly forests and woodlands, and have similar flight patterns, taking quick dives through tangled branches in pursuit of small bird prey.
However, there are a few key differences between sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks:
| Characteristic | Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Cooper’s Hawk |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 9 to 13 inches long | 14 to 20 inches long |
| Wingspan | 21 to 27 inches across | 28 to 37 inches across |
| Male Weight | 4 to 8 ounces | 7 to 24 ounces |
| Female Weight | 7 to 14 ounces | 14 to 34 ounces |
As you can see, the Cooper’s hawk is distinctly larger than the sharp-shinned. The size difference is most apparent between females of the two species.
Cooper’s hawks also have a larger, rounder head with more robust features. Their shoulders are broader and the ends of their tails are more square compared to the sharper tail tips of sharp-shinned hawks. Experienced birders can distinguish them by subtle differences in flight pattern – Cooper’s hawks have slower wingbeats and make more direct pursuit of prey.
Northern Goshawk
Northern goshawks are much larger and bulkier than Cooper’s hawks but share a similar silhouette. When seen at a distance, an observer may mistake a large female Cooper’s for a small male goshawk. However, several features set them apart:
| Characteristic | Northern Goshawk | Cooper’s Hawk |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 18 to 26 inches long | 14 to 20 inches long |
| Wingspan | 40 to 46 inches across | 28 to 37 inches across |
| Weight | 24 to 48 ounces | 7 to 34 ounces |
| Plumage Color | Dark gray back; pale underparts with dense gray barring | Blue-gray back; reddish underparts with thin brown barring |
| Face Pattern | Bold white “eyebrow” | Finer facial markings |
The goshawk’s much larger size, different coloration, and distinctive facial markings help differentiate it from the smaller, ruddier Cooper’s hawk when seen up close. The goshawk’s wingbeats are also slower and more powerful compared to the cooperative’s faster flapping.
Northern goshawks occupy similar forested habitats to Cooper’s but usually nest and hunt in more open areas near forest edges rather than deep in the woods.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Outside of North America, the Eurasian or northern sparrowhawk fills an ecological niche equivalent to the Cooper’s hawk. These two accipiters look nearly identical – long tails, short broad wings, and almost the same color patterns.
In regions where their ranges overlap, namely during migration and wintering periods, care must be taken to distinguish them properly. A few subtle differences to note:
| Characteristic | Eurasian Sparrowhawk | Cooper’s Hawk |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 12.5 to 16.5 inches long | 14 to 20 inches long |
| Male Weight | 5.5 to 9 ounces | 7 to 24 ounces |
| Female Weight | 11 to 25 ounces | 14 to 34 ounces |
| Plumage Color | Bluish-gray back; finely barred rufous underparts | Blue-gray back; broadly barred reddish underparts |
The Eurasian sparrowhawk averages smaller and slimmer than the Cooper’s, especially around the chest. The underpart barring also tends to be thinner and a brighter rust color compared to the thicker brown barring on the Cooper’s belly. Eurasian sparrowhawks also have yellow irises while Cooper’s have bright red eyes.
These two accipiters employ slightly different hunting techniques, with Cooper’s utilizing quicker turning flight through cluttered forests and Eurasian’s making faster, more direct stoops in open woodlands. Observing their manner of flying and pursuing prey can assist identification.
In Conclusion
While several hawk species share physical and behavioral traits with Cooper’s hawks, some careful observation of size, proportions, plumage details, habitat, and flight style will help properly differentiate between them.
The sharp-shinned hawk is the most similar overall, but is distinctly smaller with more delicate features. Northern goshawks are much bulkier and larger with different coloration and markings. Eurasian sparrowhawks are smaller on average and have more finely patterned plumage.
Becoming familiar with a Cooper’s hawk’s manner of flying through dense woods helps distinguish it from lighter, faster-flapping accipiters and heavier, slower flapping buteos. With practice, the identification of this common forest-dwelling hawk becomes straightforward.
Key Points to Remember
- The sharp-shinned hawk is smaller and slimmer than the Cooper’s hawk but appears almost identical in shape and coloring.
- Northern goshawks are much larger and bulkier than Cooper’s hawks with bold facial markings.
- Eurasian sparrowhawks are smaller on average than Cooper’s hawks and have finer, brighter plumage patterning.
- Observe size, proportions, flight patterns, and habitat use to differentiate between Cooper’s hawks and similar species.
- Familiarity with the Cooper’s hawk’s manner of swift flight through dense woods helps identify it.
FAQ about Cooper’s Hawk Look-Alikes
How can I tell a male Cooper’s hawk from a female sharp-shinned hawk?
The size difference between a male Cooper’s hawk and female sharp-shinned hawk can be subtle, but the Cooper’s will still have a larger, broader head, thicker chest, and broader shoulders even as a male. It’s flight pattern is also slightly slower and less erratic than the sharpie.
What distinguishes a Cooper’s hawk from other woodland hawks like the northern goshawk?
While the goshawk shares a similar shape, it is significantly larger with broad, rounded wings and a bulkier body. It’s white “eyebrow” facial markings also stand out. The Cooper’s has more narrowly tapered wings and a long banded tail perfect for navigating dense woods.
If I see a small accipiter in Europe or Asia, how do I know if it’s a Cooper’s hawk or Eurasian sparrowhawk?
The Eurasian sparrowhawk averages smaller in length and weight than the Cooper’s, though their size ranges overlap. Look for a bright rusty underside with thin delicate barring on the Eurasian. The Cooper’s belly appears more broadly barred in a deeper ruddier tone.
What features help distinguish a Cooper’s hawk from other birds of prey in flight?
The Cooper’s combination of long tail, short broad wings, swift wingbeats, and ability to maneuver adeptly through crowded forests set it apart from larger buteos, heavier flapping eagles and harriers, or smaller falcons. With practice, it’s direct pursuit flight style becomes diagnostic.
Why is the Cooper’s hawk similar in looks to other forest-dwelling hawk species?
Convergent evolution results in different species adapting similar traits to thrive in the same environment. Shorter wings and long tails aid flying through dense woods for agile prey pursuit. Plumage mimics forest materials for camouflage during nesting and hunting.
Comparison of the Cooper’s Hawk to Common Look-Alikes
Here is a quick visual overview comparing the size, shape, plumage, and markings of the Cooper’s hawk with three birds it is most commonly confused with:
| Cooper’s Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Northern Goshawk | Eurasian Sparrowhawk | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image | ||||
| Size | 14-20 in. long 28-37 in. wingspan |
9-13 in. long 21-27 in. wingspan |
18-26 in. long 40-46 in. wingspan |
12.5-16.5 in. long |
| Shape | Medium sized, slim Long tail, rounded wings |
Small, slender Long narrow tail |
Bulky and broad Broad wings |
Slim, long tail Narrow tapered wings |
| Plumage | Blue-gray back Reddish underparts Thick brown barring |
Blue-gray back Pale underparts Thin rufous barring |
Dark gray back Pale underparts Dense gray barring |
Bluish back Rufous underparts Thin, bright bars |
| Facial Markings | Dark crown Fine tear-drop streaks |
Dark cap Streaking on nape |
White “eyebrow” Bold cheek patches |
Dark cap Nape streaks |
This comparison highlights some of the main distinguishing characteristics to differentiate these commonly confused woodland hawk species at a glance.
How to Identify a Cooper’s Hawk
Here are some tips for identifying and confirming a Cooper’s hawk:
- Size – Bulky, though medium-sized, with a length of 14-20 inches from head to tail tip. About the size of a crow.
- Shape – Long banded tail and relatively short, broad wings typical of forest-dwelling accipiters. Shoulders are broader than other small hawks.
- Plumage – Blue-gray upperparts and reddish underparts with thick brown horizontal barring. White under tail coverts.
- Head – Large for its body size. Dark cap with fine tear-drop streaks below the eye.
- Flight – Direct pursuit of prey with quick wing beats and adept maneuvering through dense woods.
- Habitat – Found hunting in forests, woodlots, thickets. Nests in trees or shrubs.
- Prey – Favors small to medium sized birds captured in swift surprise attacks.
Once familiar with its size, shape, behavior, and habitat, the Cooper’s hawk can be readily identified even at a distance by its characteristic flight style and bold, purposeful hunting habits.
Conclusion
The Cooper’s hawk has several similar look-alikes, including the sharp-shinned hawk, northern goshawk, and Eurasian sparrowhawk. All are forest and woodland dwelling accipiters of varying sizes.
Subtle differences in size, proportions, plumage details, flight patterns, wing shape, and hunting behavior exist between them. With careful observation and learning the Cooper’s hawk’s diagnostic traits, identification is relatively straightforward.
This agile, medium-sized buteos is a common sight patrolling woods and forest edges for unwary bird prey. Its distinctive silhouette and habits make the Cooper’s hawk a favorite among many bird enthusiasts.
