Adult Cooper’s Hawk Identification
Both male and female mature Cooper’s hawks look similar, though the females are generally larger. They share the same proportions and field marks, however, and careful study of these birds will yield easy clues to their identity.
Juvenile Cooper’s Hawk Identification
Juvenile Cooper’s hawks can be puzzling to identify because they lack the distinct coloration of adult birds, but savvy birders can note a range of clues that will positively identify these birds.
In Flight Cooper’s Hawk Identification
Identifying birds in flight is always a challenge, and the Cooper’s hawk is a fast, agile bird that may only give birders a brief glimpse as it flies past. Fortunately, if you know what to look for, even a brief glimpse can help you identify a Cooper’s hawk. Cooper’s hawks can be confusing accipiters to identify, but with practice, every birder can learn the key field marks for both adult and juvenile birds to be able to accurately and confidently identify them, even in flight.
