Cooper’s Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

With shorter wings and a long, banded tail, this bird-hunting raptor is adapted for darting in and out of trees rather than soaring over open fields. Cooper’s Hawks are among the world’s most skillful avian fliers. Still, dashing in and out of trees is dangerous business. Studies of Cooper’s Hawk skeletons have indicated that more than 20% of these expert aviators have suffered a major crash.

Fun Fact:
If you see a hawk in an inland riparian area of the reserve, it's likely to be a Cooper's Hawk.

What’s for Lunch:
Small birds

Where’s Home:
Where willows grow along the creek, year-round