Cooper’s Hawk vs Red-Tailed Hawk: A Guide to Bird Identification

When it comes to identifying hawks, it can be difficult to tell one species from another. However, the Cooper’s hawk and red-tailed hawk are two of the most common species in North America, making them important to distinguish. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the physical characteristics, habitat preferences, and hunting behaviors of these two hawk species to help you identify them in the wild.

Key Takeaways:

• Cooper’s hawk and red-tailed hawk are two of the most common hawk species in North America.
• Understanding their physical characteristics, habitat preferences, and hunting behaviors is important for bird identification.
• By the end of this guide, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of what sets these hawk species apart from each other.

Cooper’s Hawk vs Red-Tailed Hawk Physical Characteristics

Cooper’s hawk and red-tailed hawk are two of the most common hawk species in North America, but they have distinct physical characteristics that make them easy to differentiate in the wild.

By comparing their size, plumage coloration, beaks, and tails, it is easy to identify these two hawk species. Cooper’s hawk is smaller with blue-grey upperparts and reddish bars on their breast and belly, while red-tailed hawk is larger with a distinctive rusty-red tail, dark brown back, and light-colored breast. Additionally, Cooper’s hawk has a thin and sharply hooked beak, while the red-tailed hawk has a large and thick beak designed for crushing bones.

Habitat Preferences and Range

Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks have distinct habitat preferences and ranges. Cooper’s hawks are primarily found in forested areas, although they also inhabit urban areas such as parks and gardens. They are generally absent from open grasslands and deserts.

Red-tailed hawks, on the other hand, are more adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from forests to prairies to deserts. They are also commonly found in urban and suburban areas.

Despite their differences in habitat preference, both hawks can be found throughout much of North, Central, and South America. However, specific populations of both species may be more restricted in their ranges.

Hunting Behaviors and Prey

Cooper’s hawk and red-tailed hawk have distinct hunting behaviors and prey preferences. Cooper’s hawk is known for its speed and agility, while red-tailed hawk has a more patient hunting style.

Cooper’s hawk prefers to hunt in woodland areas where it can ambush its prey, which includes smaller birds such as sparrows, robins, and jays. It also preys on small mammals such as squirrels and chipmunks. It hunts by flying low to the ground, then making a surprise attack on its prey.

Red-tailed hawk, on the other hand, is a sit-and-wait hunter. It prefers open areas such as fields and deserts, where it can perch on a high branch or pole and scan the area for prey. Its diet consists mainly of rodents, rabbits, and other small mammals. It hunts by swooping down to catch its prey with its sharp talons.

Both hawks are skilled hunters, but their hunting strategies are tailored to their respective habitats and prey. By observing their hunting behaviors, one can gain a greater appreciation for these magnificent birds of prey.

Vocalizations and Communication

Cooper’s hawk and red-tailed hawk have distinctive communication methods that they use to interact with each other and potential mates. Understanding their vocalizations and body language can offer insight into their behavior and social interactions.

Vocalizations

Both hawk species have a range of calls and screeches that they use to communicate with other hawks in the area. Cooper’s hawks have a distinctive “kak-kak-kak” call that they make when they are agitated or feeling threatened. Red-tailed hawks have a high-pitched scream that is often heard during their courtship displays. They also have a “kee-eeeeeer” call that is used to defend their territory and communicate with other hawks in the area.

Body Language

Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks also use body language to communicate with each other. When threatened, Cooper’s hawks will puff up their feathers, lower their heads, and open their beaks to make themselves appear larger and more intimidating. Red-tailed hawks, on the other hand, will often raise their tails and spread their wings to display their size and strength.

Both species also use visual displays during courtship. Male Cooper’s hawks will perform a “sky dance” where they fly high into the air and then dive down towards the female, while male red-tailed hawks will perform aerial acrobatics and mid-air displays to impress and attract females.

Similarities and Key Differences

Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks are both widespread and familiar raptors throughout North America. Although they share some similarities, they also have some notable differences that make them easily distinguishable.

One significant difference between the two species is their size. Cooper’s hawks are smaller and more slender, measuring between 14-20 inches in length and weighing around 8-14 ounces. In contrast, red-tailed hawks are larger and bulkier, with a length of 18-26 inches and a weight of 1.5-3.5 pounds.

Another difference is their plumage coloration. Cooper’s hawks have a bluish-gray back, a reddish-brown breast, and fine horizontal stripes on their underparts. Red-tailed hawks, on the other hand, have a brownish-red back and head, a pale breast with a dark belly band, and a distinct red tail, which is the source of their name.

Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks also differ in their habitat preferences. Cooper’s hawks are more commonly found in wooded areas and suburban neighborhoods, while red-tailed hawks prefer open habitats such as grasslands, deserts, and agricultural fields.

When it comes to hunting, both species are adapted for capturing prey, but they employ different strategies. Cooper’s hawks are agile and swift, and specialize in catching fast-moving prey such as birds, while red-tailed hawks use their powerful talons to capture larger prey such as rodents and snakes.

Finally, these two species also have different vocalizations and communication methods. Cooper’s hawks have a high-pitched, sharp call that is usually heard during their courtship displays, while red-tailed hawks emit a characteristic scream that is often used in movies and TV shows to depict the sound of a raptor.

In conclusion, while both Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks share some similarities, including their status as top predators and their impressive flying skills, there are also some key differences in their physical appearance, habitat preferences, and hunting behaviors that make them easily distinguishable.

Conclusion

Identifying different hawk species can be a thrilling and rewarding experience for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. In this article, we have explored the key differences between Cooper’s hawk and red-tailed hawk, two of the most commonly found hawk species in North America.

By understanding the physical characteristics, habitat preferences, hunting behaviors, and communication methods of these hawks, we can gain a deeper appreciation for their unique abilities and important role in the ecosystem.

Whether you are an experienced birdwatcher or a curious beginner, we encourage you to explore the natural world around you and take the time to observe the fascinating habits and behaviors of these remarkable birds of prey.

FAQ

Q: What are the main differences between Cooper’s hawk and red-tailed hawk?

A: Cooper’s hawk and red-tailed hawk differ in their physical characteristics, habitat preferences, hunting behaviors, and vocalizations. Cooper’s hawks are smaller and have a slate gray coloration, while red-tailed hawks are larger and have a distinct reddish tail. Cooper’s hawks prefer wooded habitats, while red-tailed hawks can be found in a variety of environments. Additionally, their hunting techniques and prey preferences vary. Cooper’s hawks are known for their agility and pursuit of small birds, while red-tailed hawks primarily hunt small mammals.

Q: How can I identify a Cooper’s hawk from a red-tailed hawk?

A: To identify a Cooper’s hawk from a red-tailed hawk, look for their size, plumage coloration, and distinctive features. Cooper’s hawks are smaller than red-tailed hawks, with slate gray coloration on their backs and crowns. They also have rounded tails with dark bands. Red-tailed hawks, on the other hand, are larger with reddish-brown tails that are often fan-shaped or wedge-shaped. They have a lighter coloration on their bellies and white undersides of their wings.

Q: Where do Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks prefer to live?

A: Cooper’s hawks are commonly found in wooded habitats, such as forests and suburban areas with tall trees. They are known for nesting near human dwellings. Red-tailed hawks, on the other hand, have a wider range of habitats. They can be found in open grasslands, deserts, forests, and even urban areas. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse environments.

Q: What do Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks hunt?

A: Cooper’s hawks primarily hunt small birds, such as sparrows, doves, and pigeons. They are known for their agility and ability to navigate through dense vegetation while pursuing their prey. Red-tailed hawks, on the other hand, primarily hunt small mammals, including mice, voles, and rabbits. They use their keen eyesight to spot their prey from high perches before swooping down to catch them.

Q: How do Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks communicate?

A: Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including calls, screeches, and screams. These vocalizations serve as a means of communication within their own species and during courtship displays. In addition to vocalizations, they also use body language and visual displays, such as wing-spreading or bill-snapping, to communicate with other hawks and establish their territories.

Q: What are the main similarities and differences between Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks?

A: Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks share some similarities, such as their predatory nature and exceptional flying abilities. However, they differ in their size, plumage coloration, habitat preferences, hunting behaviors, and vocalizations. Cooper’s hawks are smaller with slate gray coloration, prefer wooded habitats, and primarily hunt small birds. Red-tailed hawks are larger with reddish-brown tails, have a wider range of habitats, and primarily hunt small mammals.