The Cooper's Hawk, scientific name Accipiter cooperii, is a medium-sized bird of prey native to North America. Named after William Cooper, an American ornithologist, the Cooper's Hawk has long been admired for its grace, agility, and predatory skills.
Adult Cooper's Hawks measure about 14 to 20 inches in length, with a wingspan of up to 36 inches. Underside feathers are white with fine brown spots, and their upperside is dark blue-gray in color. The tail is long and possesses broad bands.
Cooper's Hawks are known for their sharp talons and beaks, which are powerful enough to easily capture and kill their prey. They typically prey on small birds such as sparrows, finches, and doves, as well as small mammals like squirrels and rabbits.
These birds are monogamous and breed in the spring, usually building their nests in tall trees in forests or wooded areas. Females lay around two to five eggs, which hatch after about a month. The young Cooper's Hawks usually leave their nests after six to nine weeks, but may still rely on their parents for several weeks after that initial departure.
Cooper's Hawks are common and adaptable to a variety of habitats, but despite their impressive hunting skills, they face many threats in the wild, including habitat loss and fragmentation.
Despite these threats, Cooper's Hawks continue to thrive in many regions of North America, and they remain a beloved icon of the continent's avian species. Their magnificent beauty, hunting prowess, and loyalty to their mates and offspring make them a true icon of the American wilderness.