Bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike have likely spotted two common birds of prey soaring the skies and perched on high branches: the Red-tailed Hawk and the Cooper’s Hawk. The two share many similarities, but can easily be distinguished from one another with a close examination of their physical characteristics, habitat preferences, and hunting habits.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the differences between these two raptors. Identifying Red-tailed Hawk vs Cooper’s Hawk
At a quick glance, it may be difficult to distinguish a Red-tailed Hawk from a Cooper’s Hawk.
However, there are several notable differences between the two birds that can help birders identify which bird is which.
Main Characteristics
Red-tailed Hawks are generally larger than Cooper’s Hawks, with an average length of two feet and a wingspan of up to four feet. By comparison, Cooper’s Hawks are smaller, averaging around 16-20 inches in length and up to three feet in wingspan.
Red-tailed Hawks typically have rust-colored feathers on the top of their tails, hence their name, while Cooper’s Hawks have horizontal stripes on the lower part of their tail. Additionally, the Red-tailed Hawk has a distinctive red tail when in flight, while the Cooper’s Hawk has a narrow, rounded tail with a distinct white band towards the tip.
Other Notable Differences
Aside from physical characteristics, there are other differences between these two birds. Red-tailed Hawks have a light brown head with a distinctive dark band that runs down the side of their face and across their eyes.
This dark band gives the hawk a “hooded” appearance. Cooper’s Hawks have a blue-gray head, with a rounded and dark cap.
Red-tailed Hawks also have chest feathers that are light buff-colored with dark spots, while Cooper’s Hawks have chest feathers that are grayish-brown with horizontal bars.
Differences in
Habitat
Both hawks can be found in a range of habitats, including wooded forests and suburban areas. However, they differ in where they are commonly found.
Red-tailed Hawks prefer to perch high up, often on tree limbs, telephone poles, and fence posts, where they can survey the surrounding countryside for prey. Cooper’s Hawks, on the other hand, are more commonly found in densely wooded areas where they can hunt smaller birds.
Differences in
Preferred Prey
Both birds are carnivorous, but they have different preferred prey. Red-tailed Hawks tend to hunt small mammals like rabbits, rodents, voles, hares, squirrels, and birds.
Cooper’s Hawks, on the other hand, specialize in hunting other birds, like doves and pigeons. They are especially skilled at catching their prey in mid-air.
Differences in
Nesting
Red-tailed Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks also differ in their nesting habits. Red-tailed Hawks build their nests in the crown of tall trees or on cliff ledges.
They prefer sites that provide a commanding view of their territory. Their eggs are white and speckled with buff, brown, or purple.
Cooper’s Hawks, on the other hand, tend to use abandoned nests of other birds, like crows or squirrels. They will also build their own nests by modifying or building on top of an existing nest.
Their eggs are pale blue or greenish-blue and are decorated with brownish-red or purple splotches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper’s Hawk share many similar characteristics, but there are significant differences between them that can help birders identify them in the wild. These differences include their size, coloring, head shape, chest markings, eye color, tail shape and markings, habitat preferences, and preferred prey.
By keeping these differences in mind, bird watchers can deepen their appreciation for these majestic birds and enjoy watching them in their natural habitats. Cooper’s Hawk:
Habitat, Prey, and
Nesting
Cooper’s Hawks are widespread in North America, found mainly in wooded forests, tall trees, and dense woodlands.
They are more commonly spotted in suburban neighborhoods, as well as parks, gardens, and bird feeders, where they can prey on smaller birds.
Habitat
Cooper’s Hawks prefer a habitat with a mix of tall trees for nesting and dense understory for cover. They are often found in deciduous or mixed woodlands, but they can also be spotted in evergreen forests in the western United States.
These hawks are adaptable and can survive in urban areas, where they may hunt in parks or visit backyard bird feeders.
Preferred Prey
Cooper’s Hawks are fierce predators, with a preference for smaller birds such as doves, starlings, pigeons, robins, jays, quail, and pheasants. They are capable of capturing birds in mid-air with their sharp talons.
Chipmunks, hares, mice, bats, and squirrels are also on the menu. Their hunting behavior is similar to that of other Accipiter hawks, pursuing prey in short, fast flights and using their agility to navigate through dense vegetation.
Nesting
Cooper’s Hawks build their nests in tall trees, typically between 25-50 feet high, but sometimes up to 100 feet. Their nests are made of sticks, and often concealed by pine needles or other leafy vegetation.
They are territorial during the breeding season, and their aggressive behavior towards other birds is well known. They may defend their nests against other raptors, such as Great Horned Owls, Red-tailed Hawks, or other Cooper’s Hawks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Red-tailed Hawks eat Cooper’s Hawks?
Red-tailed Hawks are known to prey on smaller raptors, including Cooper’s Hawks.
While it is not a common occurrence, larger hawks like Red-tailed Hawks and Great Horned Owls have been known to attack and kill Cooper’s hawks. However, Cooper’s Hawks are agile predators and may be able to defend themselves if confronted.
What is the largest hawk? The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk species in North America, weighing up to 3.5 pounds and measuring up to 26 inches long.
Their wingspan can be up to 5.5 feet. Are Cooper’s Hawks aggressive?
Cooper’s Hawks are quite territorial, especially during the breeding season. They can be aggressive towards other raptors and will defend their nests vigorously.
However, they are not known to attack humans unless they feel threatened or cornered. In conclusion, Cooper’s Hawks are impressive predators that are found throughout North America.
They have a preference for wooded forests and dense vegetation, where they can hunt smaller birds and mammals. Their nests are typically located in tall trees and their breeding behavior is territorial and aggressive.
Knowing these characteristics can help bird watchers and nature enthusiasts appreciate these birds as well as identify them in the wild. Final Thoughts on Cooper’s Hawks
Cooper’s Hawks are impressive birds of prey, and their presence can be exciting for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
However, they are also notorious for occasionally preying on small birds and other animals in backyard feeders, causing distress for many bird enthusiasts who wish to protect their feathered friends.
Hawk Visits in Backyard
A visit from a Cooper’s Hawk to our backyard can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be troubling if we have bird feeders that attract smaller birds. Cooper’s Hawks are opportunistic predators, and if they notice a concentration of small birds around a feeder, they may see it as an easy hunting opportunity.
Birds that regularly visit feeders, like sparrows, juncos, and chickadees, are all on the menu for these raptors. Notably, Cooper’s Hawks have also been known to prey on chickens.
To prevent these birds from being killed, it’s essential to take steps to make our backyard less attractive to Cooper’s Hawks.
Protecting Songbirds
One way to protect songbirds from Cooper’s Hawks is to take down bird feeders temporarily. If there’s no food available for small birds, they’re less likely to flock to the area, and the Cooper’s Hawk may move on to another location with a more abundant food source.
However, it is important to note that this step should only be temporary until the Cooper’s Hawk leaves the area, or alternative feeding strategies can be implemented without attracting the bird of prey. Another approach is to set up a birdhouse or nest box in the backyard.
By providing an alternative nesting site for smaller birds, they may be less likely to visit nearby bird feeders and become prey for the Cooper’s Hawks. Having several nesting sites will also increase the bird population in the area and may even attract other bird species.
Lastly, it is essential to remember that Cooper’s Hawks and other birds of prey need to eat to survive. Instead of viewing them as a predator, we can appreciate their role in the ecosystem and work to coexist with them.
Observing these magnificent birds of prey in the wild is a rare opportunity, and we should consider ourselves lucky to have them in our natural spaces.
Conclusion
Cooper’s Hawks are magnificent birds of prey that are fascinating to observe in the wild. While they can cause concern for bird enthusiasts in suburban gardens and backyard feeders, taking steps to minimize their impact can help protect songbirds from becoming prey to these raptors.
By understanding the natural behaviors of Cooper’s Hawks and taking steps to reduce their hunting opportunities, we can learn to appreciate their role in the ecosystem and coexist with them in harmony. In conclusion, distinguishing between the Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper’s Hawk can be challenging, but noting their colorings, size, and unique physical features can help observers identify them.
Understanding the hawks’ habitat preferences, hunting habits, and nesting behaviors can help bird watchers appreciate these magnificent creatures. By taking measures to protect backyard birds from the predation of Cooper’s Hawks, we can coexist with these important birds in our natural spaces.
FAQs:
– Do Red-tailed Hawks eat Cooper’s Hawks?
Answer: While it is not common, larger hawks like Red-tailed hawks and Great Horned Owls have been known to attack and kill Cooper’s Hawks.
– What is the largest hawk? Answer: The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk species in North America, with a weight up to 3.5 pounds and 26 inches in length.
– Are Cooper’s Hawks aggressive? Answer: Yes, Cooper’s Hawks are territorial and defend their nesting sites against other birds, such as Great Horned Owls, other Cooper’s Hawks, or Red-tailed Hawks.
– Can Cooper’s Hawks prey on chickens? Answer: Yes, Cooper’s Hawks are known to prey on chickens, particularly if they are kept in small, unprotected areas without cover.
– How can I protect songbirds from Cooper’s Hawks? Answer: Take down bird feeders temporarily, set up birdhouses or nest boxes, or provide alternative feeding areas to attract small birds to another location.