Breeding Location:
Forest edge
Breeding Type:
Monogamous, Solitary nester
Breeding Population:
Uncommon to rare, Stable or increasing in most areas
Egg Color:
Pale blue or green, nest stained and brown spots
Number of Eggs:
4 - 5
Incubation Days:
32 - 36
Egg Incubator:
Both sexes
Nest Material:
Lined with chips, outer bark strips.
Migration:
Some migrate
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Overview
Cooper's Hawk: Medium, agile hawk with dark blue-gray back and white underparts with many fine rufous bars. Cap is darker than upperparts. Eyes are red. The tail is long with thick black-and-white bands. Legs and feet are yellow. Alternates rapid wing beats and short glides, often soars on thermals.
Range and Habitat
Cooper's Hawk: Breeds from southern Canada to southern U.S. Prefers patchy deciduous and mixed forests.
Breeding and Nesting
Cooper's Hawk: Lays four to five brown spotted, pale blue or green eggs in a stick nest high in a deciduous tree, usually 20 to 60 feet above the ground; returns to the same area to nest year after year. Female incubates eggs for approximately 28 days; male brings her food during incubation.
Foraging and Feeding
Cooper's Hawk: Feeds mostly on birds, but also takes small mammals. Perches, waits, and quickly swoops down to seize prey; also pursues prey on the ground, half running, and half flying; known for raiding poultry yards.
Readily Eats
Vocalization
Cooper's Hawk: Alarm call is a piercing "kac-kac-kac" or "kuck, kuck, kuck".
Similar Species
Cooper's Hawk: Sharp-shinned Hawk has shorter, notched tail, smaller head, and less contrast between back and crown.
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