Cooper's Hawk

This feather belongs to the Cooper's Hawk, a medium-sized forest hawk built for agility. Adults have blue-gray backs and rufous-barred underparts, with long, banded tails used for steering through dense foliage.

Strongly banded with alternating dark brownish-gray and off-white/pale cream bars. There are approximately 5-6 distinct dark bands. The tip is dark.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs for aerodynamic integrity, transitioning to a small amount of plumulaceous (downy) structure at the very base near the calamus.

Smooth and firm surface with a slightly matte finish. The leading edge (vane) is narrower and stiffer than the trailing edge.

Distinctive even-width dark and light banding; rounded tip; size larger than a Sharp-shinned Hawk but smaller than a Red-tailed Hawk.

Found in various wooded habitats, from deep forests to leafy suburban parks and backyards where they hunt smaller birds.

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

Apex predator of small-to-medium birds and mammals. They serve as a vital control on bird populations and are indicators of healthy woodland ecosystems.

Sharp-shinned Hawk (smaller, narrower bands) and Northern Goshawk (larger, more mottled/less distinct banding in adults).

Cooper's Hawks are 'accipiters' or 'true hawks,' known for their amazing ability to maneuver through thick trees at high speeds to catch songbirds.

Good condition; the barbs are mostly intact, suggesting it was recently molted. Minimal wear at the tip and edges.