Blog - General
The Hawk In Your Yard
Identifying the Hawk In Your Backyard
Identifying birds of prey can be a challenge, and the two most challenging raptors are the Cooper’s Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk. Nearly identical in markings, range and behavior, these accipiters are closely related and can be difficult for even experienced birders to tell apart.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk
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Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
Cooper’s Hawk |
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Size |
10-14″ – Jay/Dove |
15-20″ – Crow |
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Proportions |
Wide Shoulders, Narrow Hips |
Barrel-Shaped |
|
Head |
Small |
Large, Faint Crest |
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Nape |
Same as Back/Head |
Paler Color |
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Neck |
Short |
Long |
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Barring |
Thick Rufous |
Brown or Rufous, Less on Lower Abdomen |
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Legs |
Very Thin |
Finger-Width |
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Tail |
Squared Tip, Notched |
Rounded Tip, White Terminal Band |
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Flight |
Wing Wrists Pushed Forward |
Wings Straight |
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Prey |
Small Birds |
Medium-Large Birds, Small Mammals |
These two birds are so similar that a female Cooper’s Hawk is relative to the size of a male Sharp-shinned Hawk making identification even more difficult. Although it may not be pleasant to watch one of these hunters take a bird from your backyard, it is part of the natural web of life. I personally find it fascinating to watch this predator / prey relationship unfold before my eyes no matter how difficult it may be for some folks to accept. One thing to keep in mind. These and other birds of prey take only what they need to survive. In comparison the 120 million free roaming feral house cats account for more than 500 million bird kills every year in the United States. The bacteria alone from a single puncture wound by cat is fatal for a bird.