A crow-sized accipiter with a long tail and rounded wings. Females are noticeably larger than males. The crown is flat, forming a straight line from the bill to the forehead. Adults: Blue-gray above, with rusty barring on the breast and wing linings. The dark crown contrasts with the pale nape, creating a capped look. The tail has dark bands, a white tip, and is usually rounded at the corners. Juveniles are brown with white spots above and whitish below. The breast has fine dark streaks which end at the belly. In flight, Cooper’s Hawks hold their wings straight out, with the large head extending beyond the leading edge of the wings.

Length: 36 (cm) Wingspan: 69 (cm)

Voice:

A long series of kek-kek-kek-kek.

Habitat:

Woodlands, urban and suburban parks. Frequently hunts at bird feeders.

Behavior:

Flies with a series of short flaps, followed by a glide.

Feeding:

Eats birds captured on the wing; also small rodents.