Cooper's Hawk
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae, Genus: Accipiter, Species: Accipiter cooperii · Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) · Contour (Body Feather)
Species
Accipiter cooperii
Feather Type
Contour (Body Feather)
Family
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
Shape
Symmetrical, rounded tip, spatulate-to-ovate outline
Size
Approximately 2 to 3 inches in length; typical for a flank or secondary covert contour feather of an adult hawk.
Rarity
Common; one of the most frequently seen hawks in North American suburban environments.
Color & Pattern
Strong horizontal banding (barring). Consists of alternating dark charcoal/slate gray and bright white bars. The tip is white. This high-contrast barring is characteristic of adult Accipiter plumage.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous on the upper two-thirds with a well-defined vane; plumulaceous (downy) at the base for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and firm at the tip; soft and silky at the base. Matte finish typical of raptor body feathers.
Description
This feather comes from a medium-sized hawk known for its agility in flight. The adult bird features a blue-gray back and a crown that contrasts with a lighter nape. Its breast is horizontally barred with rufous or gray, as seen in this specimen. They have long, banded tails and piercing red or orange eyes.
Key Features
High-contrast horizontal gray and white barring; white tip; symmetrical silhouette; plumulaceous base.
Habitat
Woodlands, forested edges, and increasingly common in suburban backyard areas with mature trees.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident across much of the United States and Mexico; northern populations migrate south from Canada in winter.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition; barbs are fully intact with no visible fault bars or parasite damage; appears to be a fresh molt.
Interesting Facts
Cooper's Hawks are 'true hawks' or 'accipiters,' specialized for hunting birds mid-air. They can fly through dense vegetation at high speeds using their long tails as rudders.
Ecological Role
Apex avian predator; controls populations of smaller birds and mammals; indicator of healthy woodland ecosystems.
Similar Species
Sharp-shinned Hawk (smaller, barring often less crisp), Northern Goshawk (larger, finer barring), Broad-winged Hawk (different proportions).