One of the main distinctions between Cooper’s Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks is their respective predations; Cooper’s Hawks often hunt small mammals while Red-tailed Hawks prefer birds such as rock pigeons and mourning doves as prey. But other features should also be taken into consideration.
Sharp-shinned Hawks typically feature squared off tail feather ends while Cooper’s Hawks have rounder ones.
Hunting
Red-tailed and Cooper’s Hawks are highly skilled predators that can be found across various habitats, but without understanding their differences in size, behavior and diet it can be hard to recognize which hawk has been seen. Though these two hawks appear similar in appearance and behavior it’s essential that birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts learn which is which for the best experience and accuracy when birding or wildlife spotting.
Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks are versatile hunters that prey upon various animal species such as birds, mammals, reptiles, rodents and songbirds in their environment. While predation on small mammals and birds are usually the main focus, depending on what species may be available in their environment they can also eat rodents, reptiles and reptiles; Cooper’s Hawks tend to prefer songbirds over all else as prey items.
The Red-tailed Hawk is much more commonly encountered than its Cooper’s Hawk counterpart and can be found throughout most of North America. You might spot them soaring freely or perching on telephone poles in various habitats including farmland, deserts, forests, mountains and coastlines. In comparison, Cooper’s Hawks tend to be harder to spot in nature but can still be found southeastern United States, western Canada and Alaska with most living in forests or mountain ranges but frequenting suburban backyards as well.
Apart from their physical features, the Cooper’s Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk can be easily distinguished from each other by the arrangement of their tail feathers. When seen from behind, the Cooper’s Hawk boasts an oval tail with two distinct white bands running down its center while its red-tailed counterpart features much thinner feathers with less distinct white bands and less distinct white tips.
Other than their tail feather arrangement, the main distinctions between the two hawks lie in their flight behaviors and hunting styles. Cooper’s Hawk is more active, flying low over ground to hunt prey while Red-tailed Hawk typically flies higher before diving to catch it from above. Both species of hawks are highly effective predators that use surprise attacks to bring down prey quickly.
Nesting
As members of the Accipitridae family, both these raptors are predator birds that hunt other animals to feed on. Though both share aggressive personalities and an intense hunting desire, their respective prey preferences differ – the Red-Tailed Hawk can be considered an omnivore while Cooper’s Hawk prefers hunting smaller creatures; sometimes preying upon other raptors when necessary as well.
This medium-sized accipiter hunts stealthily, using its superb eyesight to detect prey concealed under dense cover or stalking it on the ground. Once its target is located, it quickly pounces upon it with its sharp talons before seizing it by surprise. Found throughout North America in various habitats including open woodlands, mixed deciduous-evergreen forests, suburban, and urban settings where breeding takes place.
This species builds a stick nest measuring between 61-71 cm across, usually in an isolated single tree with concealment against predators such as raccoons or Great Horned Owls. Although mostly silent during courtship and defense of its nest, this bird sometimes emits short loud calls with cak-cak-cak-sounds during courtship rituals or to warn off attackers.
Once chicks fledge, both parents continue bringing food for 10 days until the young birds become strong enough to hunt on their own. Common prey includes mice, voles, squirrels and any birds visiting backyard feeders.
Cooper’s Hawk is an agile and powerful accipiter with short wings and long tail. Although often mistaken for its much smaller cousin the Sharp-shinned Hawk, there are key field markers which differentiate this bird; specifically the Cooper’s Hawk features black cap and neck while its counterpart sports pale feathering on both their heads and necks.
Diet
Though both Cooper’s Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk hunt birds, they each have distinct preferences when it comes to which species. The former specializes primarily in rodent hunting with diet consisting of small mammals like mice and voles as its prey; reptiles and birds such as turkeys and pheasants tend to escape its attentions; on the other hand, Cooper’s Hawk prefers preying upon smaller birds like doves and sparrows while occasionally snacking on smaller mammals like bats or squirrels as well as reptiles or fish as its meals.
Cooper’s Hawk is an agile and fast hunter, known for catching its prey midair using its long wings to maneuver and swoop down on them. These birds can often be found perching on tall objects like telephone poles and fence posts in order to observe for birds flying overhead; additionally they often frequent backyard bird feeders where songbirds may gather for easy pickings.
Cooper’s Hawks can catch large animals such as rabbits and reptiles, but are more likely to opt for easier meals such as songbirds visiting backyard feeders. They may even hunt on the ground by following songbirds until they discover where they’re hiding before striking with sudden speed to attack their prey.
As such, Cooper’s Hawks have adjusted to living in urban environments with more bird feeders and meal opportunities, becoming an increasingly common sight across suburban and urban neighborhoods in northeastern states where many reside.
Although it’s essential to be aware of the dangers posed by Cooper’s Hawks to pets, it is also vitally important to realize that most animals weigh more than this type of hawk. Therefore, it would be physically impossible for one of these birds to carry off something heavier than itself. Furthermore, several steps can be taken to protect pets against this threat.
Aggression
Red-tailed and Cooper’s Hawks are two of the most prevalent prey birds in North America, known for their stunning beauty and remarkable predatory skills. Both species play key roles in maintaining ecosystems; however, they differ considerably when it comes to physical appearance, habitat requirements, feeding habits and vocalization patterns.
Both hawks are diurnal birds, active during daylight hours. They primarily hunt small animals such as birds of prey, mammals, reptiles and insects – efficient hunters that can capture prey with one dive; their good eye sight allows them to move fast while in flight to catch their targets.
Red-tailed hawks are typically solitary birds that are notorious for being territorial. When other hawks or owls enter their territory, they may attack other predatory birds such as other hawks or owls before protecting their nest from other predators and taking part in aerial battles with them. Cooper’s hawks on the other hand tend to be more social; groups can often be found migrating together. Furthermore, their agile maneuvers in pursuit of prey allow them to outwit larger mammals such as eagles or falcons before making themselves known.
These animals can live in various habitats, from grasslands to forests and urban settings. Commonly found across North America including the US, Mexico and southern Canada with some populations migrating seasonally depending on food availability; furthermore they are adaptable enough to live in mountainous regions as well.
Aggression-wise, the coopers hawk is generally more aggressive than its red tailed cousin due to their superior hunting prowess and natural instinct to prey upon other birds and small animals. Due to this behavior they can become quite dangerous for other birds as well as falconers who try to train them; for this reason alone these species rarely can be domesticated successfully by falconers.
There was once a time when hawks and other birds of prey were hunted for sport, until this practice was banned by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), passed in 1918 in honor of Rosalie Barrow Edge who advocated for their protection. Today you can witness these incredible animals roaming freely in nature so you can fully appreciate their beauty!