Cooper's Hawk
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae, Genus: Accipiter, Species: Accipiter cooperii · Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) · Tail feather (Rectrix)
Species
Accipiter cooperii
Feather Type
Tail feather (Rectrix)
Family
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
Shape
Slightly asymmetrical, broad with a rounded tip, typical of an Accipiter tail feather.
Size
Estimated 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) in length; the width is approximately 1.5-2 inches. This aligns with the median tail feathers of an adult specimen.
Rarity
Common; one of the most frequently seen hawks in backyard settings across North America.
Color & Pattern
Features 3-4 distinct, broad, dark grayish-brown horizontal bands (bars) set against a lighter gray-white background. The tip often shows a thin white terminal band, although it may be worn down.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous and tightly interlocked throughout the main vane; the base shows soft, plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and firm texture on the vane surface; the leading edge is slightly more rigid than the trailing edge to resist air pressure.
Description
This feather belongs to the Cooper's Hawk, a medium-sized raptor known for its incredible agility. Adults have blue-gray backs and rufous-barred underparts, while this barred tail feather is a classic signature of the species' 'rudder.'
Key Features
Distinctive wide dark banding with relatively equal spacing; rounded tip; larger than a Sharp-shinned Hawk feather but smaller than a Goshawk feather.
Habitat
Mixed woodlands, deciduous forests, and increasingly common in suburban areas with mature trees and bird feeders.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident throughout much of the United States and Mexico; northern populations migrate from Southern Canada to the Southern US in winter.
Condition Notes
Good condition; minimal wear at the tip suggests it was likely a recently molted feather rather than one lost during a struggle.
Interesting Facts
Cooper's Hawks are 'stealth hunters' of the avian world, often weaving through dense branches at high speeds to surprise smaller birds.
Ecological Role
Apex predator of small-to-medium birds and mammals; serves as a vital regulator of songbird and rodent populations.
Similar Species
Sharp-shinned Hawk (smaller, usually squared tail) and Northern Goshawk (larger, more irregular wavy banding).