Cooper's Hawk can be found in southern British Columbia, central Alberta, western Ontario, southern Quebec and Nova Scotia, south throughout much of the United States.
Species Appearance
The Cooper's Hawk is a medium sized bird with a long, lean-body.
The length of the male is 35 - 46 cm (or 14 - 19 inches) and the length of the female is 42 - 50 cm (or 17 - 20 inches).
Risks to the Species
Since the Cooper's Hawk gained legal protection, only a small percentage of reported Cooper's hawk deaths are due to shooting. Furthermore, their numbers have improved, because DDT has been banned it no longer poses a threat to them. Most of the problems are caused by the invasion of their natural environment by humans. In 1993, due to conservation efforts, the Cooper's hawk was removed from the Illinois Endangered Species list and populations in other areas are continuing to grow as well (Corson).
The Cooper's Hawk is known as a predator of birds, but it also feeds upon mammals. When hunting, the Cooper's Hawk usually perches and watches for its prey.
Breeding of the Species
The male Cooper's Hawk, sometimes assisted by the female, builds a platform nest of sticks and twigs. It generally ranges from 5m to 20m or (20 to 60 feet) above ground level in a tree located in a wooded area. From 4 to 6 bluish white eggs are laid by the female which are 5cm-3.7cm or (2 - 1.5 inches). The eggs are incubated by the female which hatch in about 5 weeks.
