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Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter striatus) - Parc Mont-Royal - 2016-03-20
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter striatus) - 2016-03-20

Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter striatus)

The Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter striatus) is a medium-sized raptor native to North America, known for its adaptability to various habitats, including urban and suburban areas. This elusive predator is often found perched quietly on low branches, skillfully hunting smaller birds and mammals throughout the year.

🇫🇷Épervier de Cooper
🇩🇪Rundschwanzsperber
🇲🇽Gavilán de Cooper
Taxonomy
OrderAccipitriformes
FamilyAccipitridae

How to Identify

The Cooper's Hawk can be challenging to identify with certainty due to its resemblance to the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus). However, the shape and proportion of its head, along with the square end of its tail feathers when perched, are distinctive characteristics.

Click on photo to enlarge.

Characteristics

Length35-46cm
Weight250-700g
Wingspan60-86cm
Clutch Size4-5 eggs
Incubation30-36 days
Fledging27-34 days
Sexual Maturity2 years
SourceWikipedia

Videos

Videos are hosted on YouTube. Click on a thumbnail to watch it.

Where and When to Spot

The Cooper's Hawk can be observed throughout the year, although sightings are less frequent during the winter months. The optimal time to spot this species is in April, when the absence of foliage offers a clearer view in forested areas. Be sure to check the lower branches of trees.

Observation Records by Park and Season

Location Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Parc Angrignon x - - -
Parc Michel-Chartrand x - - x
Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies x - - -

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.

Questions & Answers

Delve deeper into distribution, habitat, behavior, and ecological role of the Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter striatus). Click on a question to uncover the answer.

Is the Cooper's Hawk an endangered species?

No, it is actually one of the most common birds of prey in North America. Cooper's Hawks have shown remarkable adaptability to woodland fragmentation caused by human activities, often thriving in urban and suburban environments.

Is the Cooper's Hawk native to North America?

Yes, indeed. The Cooper's Hawk is indeed native to North America, with its range spanning from southern Canada to northern Mexico, from the east coast all the way through the west coast.

Is the Cooper's Hawk a migratory bird?

No. this species is primarily a sedentary bird, meaning it does not typically migrate long distances. However, some individuals in northern regions may migrate short distances southward in the winter to find more abundant prey.

Is the Cooper's Hawk mostly found in forests and woodlands?

Yes, however they are adaptable and can also be seen in various other habitats including urban and suburban areas. They are skilled hunters that thrive in environments with abundant prey, regardless of the specific vegetation cover

Does the Cooper's Hawk have predators?

No, it is an apex predator itself and doesn't have many natural predators as adults. However, young Cooper's Hawks may fall prey to larger raptors, such as Great Horned Owls or Red-tailed Hawks, or terrestrial predators like raccoons and snakes while they are still fledglings.

Does the Cooper's Hawk have a long lifespan for a bird raptor?

No, compared to some other bird raptors, such as eagles or vultures, the Cooper's Hawk generally has a shorter lifespan, typically ranging from 7 to 12 years in the wild. This shorter lifespan can be influenced by factors such as the risk of injury while hunting prey, as they pursue agile prey in dense vegetation.

Is the Cooper's Hawk the largest raptor in North America?

No, the Cooper's Hawk is not the largest raptor in North America. With a wingspan typically ranging from 60 to 90cm, it is a medium-sized hawk. Larger raptors such as the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle exceed it in size, with wingspans exceeding 180cm.

Can the Cooper's Hawk catch birds in flight?

Yes, the Cooper's Hawk is well-known for its agility and skill in catching birds in flight, even within dense vegetation like forests and woodlands. It often sits perched on a branch, using its speed and maneuverability to surprise and ambush smaller birds mid-flight.

Is the Cooper's Hawk monogamous?

Yes, the Cooper's Hawk is typically monogamous during the breeding season. However, if a partner dies or disappears, a bird may bond with a new individual. Additionally, there are occasional reports of males mating with more than one female during a breeding season.

Are Cooper's Hawk males and females involved in parenting?

Yes, both male and female Cooper's Hawks are involved in parenting. While the female Cooper's Hawk primarily incubates eggs and feeds hatchlings, the male plays a vital role in hunting for food and delivering it to the female.

Is the Cooper's Hawk well studied in the field of animal behavior?

Yes, the Cooper's Hawk is well studied in the field of animal behavior. Researchers have extensively studied its hunting techniques, nesting habits, and social behaviors, providing valuable insights into predator-prey dynamics and avian ecology.

Is the Cooper's Hawk popular among wildlife enthusiasts?

Yes, the Cooper's Hawk is popular among wildlife enthusiasts. Its widespread distribution in rural and suburban areas, striking appearance, and impressive hunting skills make it a favorite among birdwatchers.