Cooper's HawkNamed for William Cooper, who shot the type specimen in 1828. Other names: Big blue darter, chicken hawk, hen hawk, quail hawk, striker, swift hawk. Sometimes "coop" for short. Hunting habits: Catches small to medium-sized birds on the wing, from warblers to flickers, doves and young pheasants. One study in New York showed that starlings were the most common bird eaten. Also takes squirrels, chipmunks, and even some fish. Nesting habits: Nests in pines or hardwood stands. The most southerly distributed accipiter. Sometimes will vigorously defend their nests. Length: 37-47 cm Wingspan: 70-87 cm Weight: Females average 528 grams; males 341 grams. In the world of raptors, females are bigger, stronger, and usually more aggressive than males. Life expectancy: One banded bird lived 10 years 6 months. |
