How to identify the Cooper's Hawk

To correctly identify the Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

35-50 cm (14-20 in)

Wingspan

64-94 cm (25-37 in)

Weight

200-698 g (7.1-24.6 oz); females are significantly larger than males.

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a blue-gray back and cap, with rufous barring on the underparts. The tail is long, rounded, and banded with dark and light stripes, tipped with white. Juveniles are brown on the back and streaked brown on the white underparts, with a yellow eye that gradually changes to orange and then deep red in adults.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Strong, hooked beak, dark gray to black with a yellow cere.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Adults have deep red eyes; juveniles have yellow eyes that transition to orange and then red with age.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Yellow legs and feet.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Relatively large head that projects beyond the wings in flight, rounded tail (compared to the Sharp-shinned Hawk's square or notched tail), and strong sexual dimorphism in size.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles have brown backs, heavily streaked brown underparts, and yellow eyes. Their tail banding is less distinct than adults.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes; plumage differences are primarily age-related.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Females are noticeably larger than males, often by 20-30% in length and up to 50% in weight. Plumage is similar between sexes.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Look for a medium-sized hawk with broad, rounded wings and a long, rounded tail. The head often appears large and projects noticeably in front of the wings during flight. Females are considerably larger than males.
• Plumage (Adult). Adults have a dark blue-gray back and cap, contrasting with a paler nape. The underparts are rufous-barred. The tail has distinct dark and light bands with a white tip.
• Plumage (Juvenile). Juveniles are brown on the back and heavily streaked brown on the white underparts. Their eyes are yellow, transitioning to red with age.
• Flight Pattern. Observe its characteristic 'flap-flap-glide' flight style. It is very agile, often flying low and weaving through trees. When soaring, the rounded tail is a key identifier.
• Head Projection. In flight, the head of a Cooper's Hawk projects noticeably beyond the leading edge of the wings, giving it a 'cross' or 'T' shape, unlike the smaller head projection of a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
• Tail Shape. The tail is long and distinctly rounded at the tip, especially when fanned. This is a crucial distinction from the square or slightly notched tail of a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
• Eye Color. Adults have striking deep red eyes, while juveniles have yellow eyes that gradually darken to orange and then red as they mature.

Explore the Cooper's Hawk