Cooper's Hawk
Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Accipitriformes; Family: Accipitridae; Genus: Accipiter; Species: Accipiter cooperii · Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) · Primary flight feather (Remiges), likely an outer primary (P7-P9) due to the extreme asymmetry and narrow leading vane.
Species
Accipiter cooperii
Feather Type
Primary flight feather (Remiges), likely an outer primary (P7-P9) due to the extreme asymmetry and narrow leading vane.
Family
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
Shape
Highly asymmetrical with a very narrow, stiff outer vane and a broad inner vane. The tip is somewhat pointed, and there is a distinct notch or emargination on the inner vane, characteristic of raptors for flight control.
Size
Approximately 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) in length. This is consistent with an adult Cooper's Hawk primary, which is smaller than a Red-tailed Hawk but significantly larger than a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Rarity
Common; though their secretive woodland nature can make them harder to see than soaring hawks, they are abundant throughout their range.
Color & Pattern
Strongly banded with alternating dark Brown/Grey-brown and creamy White/Light Grey translucent bands. There are approximately 5-6 dark bands visible. The underside is paler than the top surface.
Barb Structure
Densely pennaceous throughout most of the vane for aerodynamic integrity. The base (calamus area) shows short plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation. The baricels are tightly interlocked, though some separation is visible due to wear.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and stiff to the touch. The surface is matte rather than glossy, which helps with stealth. The leading edge is extremely firm to withstand air pressure during the downstroke.
Description
This feather belongs to the Cooper's Hawk, a medium-sized raptor known for its incredible agility in dense forests. Adults have a blue-grey back and rufous-barred underparts, while juveniles are brown and streaky. Their long, banded tails and rounded wings are adaptations for maneuvering through trees. In flight, they follow a 'flap-flap-glide' pattern.
Key Features
High asymmetry of the vanes, sharp contrast in the brown and white banding, and the specific size which sits between the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk and the larger Northern Goshawk.
Habitat
Mixed woodlands, deciduous forests, and increasingly, suburban areas where they hunt songbirds at feeders. They prefer edge habitats for ambush hunting.
Geographic Range
Common across North America, ranging from Southern Canada through the United States to Central Mexico. Northern populations are migratory, while southern populations are year-round residents.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair condition. There is visible 'unzipping' or separation of the barbs along the trailing edge (inner vane), likely due to natural wear or the impact of the molt process. No major fault bars or parasite damage evident.
Interesting Facts
Cooper's Hawks are 'accipiters' or true hawks. They are bird-hunting specialists; historically, they were called 'Chicken Hawks', though they rarely take poultry. They have been known to pursue prey into thick brush on foot.
Ecological Role
Apex avian predator in woodland ecosystems. They regulate populations of medium-sized birds (jays, robins, starlings) and small mammals, acting as an indicator of forest health.
Similar Species
Sharp-shinned Hawk (smaller, bands often more even), Northern Goshawk (larger, finer barring/marbling in adults), Merlin (shorter, different banding frequency).