Cooper's Hawk
Scientific name
Accipiter cooperii
about the species
Smaller than the more common Red-Tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawks can be identified using their small size and banded tails that appear to be almost as long as half their body length. While juveniles begin with yellow eyes, brown upper feathers, and a white belly with tear drop streaks, as they mature, their eyes turn red, their upper feathers become blue-gray, and their belly develops reddish speckles. In Forest Park, Cooper’s hawks like to hunt small birds such as robins, starlings, and red-winged blackbirds. Preferring to nest among forests, Cooper’s Hawks in Forest Park can be spotted in forested areas packed with small birds. Common threats to Cooper’s Hawks include pesticides, which affect egg health, and collisions with human made objects. Avoiding the use of chemicals for lawn care and placing collision deterrent stickers on windows can help mitigate dangers to this species.
conservation status
Least Concern
How we’re studying this species
We are conducting bird surveys throughout the park to understand where hawks and other birds can be found. We also are collecting health data and placing GPS tags on Cooper’s Hawks to understand their health and movement in the park.
