Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

This is a bold tail feather from a medium-sized raptor specialized for agility. The Cooper's Hawk is a 'true hawk' or accipiter, characterized by short, rounded wings and a very long tail. Adults have blue-gray backs and rufous-barred underparts, while this feather's clean gray and dark banding suggests it came from an adult or sub-adult bird. In flight, they are known for a 'flap-flap-glide' rhythm.

Features 3-4 distinct dark gray to blackish-brown horizontal bands (bars) set against a lighter bluish-gray or brownish-gray background. The tip typically features a narrow white terminal band, which appears slightly worn here. The ventral (underside) surface is paler with more muted banding.

Mostly pennaceous and tightly interlocked for aerodynamic flight stability; plumulaceous (downy) barbs present only at the very base (calamus area); barbs appear intact with minor wear at the distal tip.

Smooth, stiff, and somewhat glossy on the dorsal surface. The vane is rigid to withstand wind resistance, feeling sturdy rather than soft/velvety (unlike owl feathers).

Wide, even dark banding; rounded tip; white terminal edge; length exceeding 150mm (distinguishing it from the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk).

Woodlands, forest edges, and increasingly common in suburban areas with mature trees and bird feeders (where they hunt smaller birds).

Year-round resident across much of the United States and Mexico; northern populations migrate from southern Canada to the southern US and Central America during winter.

Apex avian predator in woodland ecosystems. They regulate populations of medium-sized birds (like jays and doves) and small mammals. Their presence indicates a healthy, complex food web.

Sharp-shinned Hawk (feathers are shorter, usually <15cm, and tail tips are more squared); Northern Goshawk (much larger, feathers have more mottled wavy patterns rather than clean bands).

Cooper's Hawks were once called 'Chicken Hawks.' They are master acrobats, capable of flying through thick brush at high speeds to catch prey. Studies have shown many Cooper's Hawks have healed fractures in their chest bones, likely from collisions with trees during high-speed chases.

Good condition. There is slight fraying at the tip and along the leading edge, suggesting it was molted naturally after a season of use. No visible stress bars (fault bars).