RANGE: Across the USA, Mexico and southern Canada through Central America to Costa Rica.

HABITAT: Deciduous and, less often, coniferous forests, especially those interrupted by meadows and clearings

SIZE: LENGTH: 14-21 inches
WINGSPAN: 27-36 inches
WEIGHT: Males 13.5 ounces, females 1 lb, 4 ounces

LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Wild: Unknown
Captivity: Unknown

REPRODUCTION: Cooper's Hawks construct a nest of sticks from 20 to 60 feet above ground level, usually a new one each year, and line it with small, flat pieces of bark. The four or five pale greenish eggs hatch in about four weeks, and are attended by the female alone.

DIET:  Wild: smaller ground dwelling birds but also some small mammals and reptiles.

BEHAVIOR: Its main method of hunting is to sit atop an inconspicuous perch and carefully look for prey. Most Cooper's hawks do not chase down prey in flight but rather use an ambush approach.  After catching a bird or small mammal in its talons, the Cooper's hawk will sometimes fly to water to drown its prey.  Cooper's hawks tend to be solitary birds. They are not inclined to travel in pairs or small groups.

POINTS OF INTEREST: The Cooper's hawk is about the same size as a crow. Its distinguishing characteristics include a large head, long tail and short, rounded wings. The tail is striped on top with brown and gray, and underneath with gray and cream. It can be identified by it's white-tipped tail feathers.