Cooper's Hawk

This feather belongs to the Cooper's Hawk, a medium-sized woodland raptor known for its incredible speed and agility. Adults have blue-gray backs and rusty-barred underparts, while this feather's crisp banding reflects the classic Accipiter pattern.

Strong, dark brown or charcoal-grey horizontal bands (bars) set against a lighter grey or whitish background. The underside is notably paler with less distinct but visible banding.

Mostly pennaceous and tightly interlocked for flight efficiency, transitioning to loose, plumulaceous barbs (downy) at the base near the calamus.

The surface is smooth and somewhat matte. It feels firm and stiff to the touch, designed to resist air pressure during flight.

Distinctive dark horizontal barred pattern, rounded tip, and light-colored rachis. The even spacing of bands is a hallmark of the Accipiter genus.

Found in deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests, but increasingly common in suburban backyard areas with mature trees.

Common across North America, from Southern Canada through most of the United States to Central Mexico.

Apex predator of small-to-medium birds and mammals; serves as a vital indicator of forest health and a control for songbird populations.

Sharp-shinned Hawk (smaller, thinner bands) and Northern Goshawk (larger, more mottled/wavy pattern). Red-shouldered Hawk feathers have more high-contrast white spotting.

Cooper's Hawks are 'stealth hunters,' often navigating dense foliage at high speeds to surprise smaller birds. They are a primary cause of 'empty feeders' in suburban yards.

Good condition; the barbs are mostly intact though some separation is visible on the trailing edge. No significant sun bleaching or fault bars are present.