Found in the dense forests throughout southern Canada and continental United States, the Cooper’s hawk is known as a predator of birds. However, it also feeds on mammals, particularly squirrels and chipmunks. It is named after the American zoologist William Cooper.
Cooper’s hawks are bold and aggressive predators. The short, cupped wings allow them to launch a swift attack from the perch. During hunts, Cooper’s hawks rely on agile, twisting flights between bouts of perching and scanning. They suddenly pick up speed upon approaching the prey. They can eat almost 12 per cent of their body weight a day; this is equivalent to a human weighing 100 kilograms eating 12 kilograms of food a day!
They build broad, flat stick nests on tree trunks. Female Cooper hawks are larger and bulkier than their male counterparts. They lay three to six eggs at a time.
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