Cooper's Hawk
The Cooper's hawk is an agile and stealthy hunter that glides effortlessly through forested canopies across North America.
Common Name:
Cooper's Hawk
Scientific Name:
Accipiter cooperii
Type:
Birds
Diet:
Carnivore
General Description
The Cooper's hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey, generally about 40-50 cm long, with a wingspan of 75 to 90 cm. The adults feature a steel-blue-gray back and a rust-colored, barred pattern on their chest and underparts. Notable for their sharp red eyes, these hawks are adept at spotting prey. They possess a long, striped tail and broad, rounded wings, enhancing their agility and enabling them to maneuver easily through dense forests.
Diet and Habitat
The Cooper's hawk primarily preys on birds and small mammals. Its diet includes species such as starlings, American robins, and squirrels, which it captures with startling speed and precision. These hawks live in wooded habitats ranging from dense forests to urban areas rich in bird feeders, which provide ample hunting opportunities. Their presence across North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico, highlights their adaptability to diverse environments.
Life Expectancy
Wild Cooper's hawks can reach up to 12 years of age but frequently fall prey to environmental dangers. They breed from late March to May, building nests in tall trees and laying 3 to 5 eggs, which the female incubates for about 35 days. The hatchlings, who start life blind and featherless, fledge after 4 to 5 weeks with extensive care from both parents.
Did You Know?
Often dubbed "the ghost of the forest," Cooper's hawks excel in stealth, zipping through dense trees with remarkable agility to ambush unsuspecting prey.
Other Species
Have Any Questions?
While public visitation isn't possible, we welcome inquiries from researchers, conservationists, and those passionate about conservation.
©2024 El Carmen Nature Reserve
This reserve is owned and managed by
