Birdsong field guide
Cooper's Hawk
Astur cooperii
A medium-sized accipiter expertly adapted for high-speed chases through dense vegetation, often seen hunting smaller birds in suburban backyards.
What it sounds like
A loud, rapid, and nasal series of 'kek-kek-kek-kek' notes, most frequent near the nest site.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- Displays reversed sexual size dimorphism, where females are significantly larger and more powerful than males.
- Utilizes a long, rounded tail as a rudder to perform high-agility maneuvers while navigating through thick forest canopies.
- The adult features a dark 'cap' of feathers that contrasts with a lighter nape, a key field mark distinguishing it from the Sharp-shinned Hawk.
- A 2024 taxonomic update moved this species from the genus Accipiter to the resurrected genus Astur.
- Commonly preys on medium-sized birds like European Starlings and Rock Pigeons, often killing them by squeezing with its talons rather than biting.
Habitat
Mixed deciduous forests, open woodlands, riparian corridors, and leafy suburban neighborhoods.
Range
Southern Canada throughout the contiguous United States to Central Mexico.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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