Cooper’s Hawk vs Red-Tailed Hawk: How to Identify the Differences

Did you know that while both the Cooper’s hawk red-tailed hawk soar through North American skies, they have strikingly different characteristics? 

Identifying these two magnificent birds can be a challenge for even seasoned birdwatchers. 

The distinct features of the Cooper’s hawk and the red-tailed hawk, helping you recognize them in their natural habitats. 

By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to confidently differentiate between these two raptors.

Which is bigger, a Cooper’s hawk or a Red-tailed hawk?

When comparing the Cooper’s hawk and the Red-tailed hawk, size becomes a striking differentiator. 

The Red-tailed hawk boasts a longer total length, with adults typically measuring between 18 to 26 inches. 

The Cooper’s hawk is smaller, ranging from about 14 to 20 inches. This size difference is not just about length; the wingspan of the Red-tailed hawk can reach up to 56 inches, while the Cooper’s hawk’s wingspan hovers around 30 to 36 inches, making it easy to identify these two birds in flight.

Beyond their impressive wingspans, the mass of these raptors tells another story. The Red-tailed hawk generally weighs between 1.5 to 3.5 pounds, significantly outweighing the Cooper’s hawk, which ranges from 0.7 to 1.5 pounds. 

This greater mass gives the Red-tailed hawk a more robust appearance, adding to its commanding presence in the sky. 

These two species side by side can truly highlight the differences in size, making it an exciting challenge for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

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Cooper’s hawk measurements

Cooper’s hawks are fascinating birds of prey, distinguished not just by their striking appearance but also by their size. 

Males typically reach about 15 inches in length, while females, being the larger sex, can grow up to 17 inches. 

This size difference is common among raptors, and it allows females to better care for their young. 

When comparing Cooper’s hawks to the more commonly known red-tailed hawk, the latter can be significantly larger, often measuring between 18 to 26 inches in length. 

Weight-wise, male Cooper’s hawks range from 10 to 15 ounces, while females can weigh between 12 and 24 ounces. 

This weight distribution is crucial for their hunting style; lighter males are agile hunters, adept at navigating through dense forests in pursuit of smaller birds. 

The wingspan of these hawks further emphasizes their adaptability: males have a wingspan of 24 to 35 inches, while females boast an impressive 30 to 35 inches. 

This variation allows them to maneuver skillfully through trees, much like a red-tailed hawk soaring gracefully over open fields. 

These measurements not only highlights the unique characteristics of Cooper’s hawks but also showcases their remarkable adaptations for survival in diverse environments.

Feature	Cooper’s Hawk	Red-Tailed Hawk
Size	Smaller, about 14-20 inches in length	Larger, about 18-26 inches in length
Tail Shape	Long, rounded tail	Shorter, broad, and rectangular tail
Coloration	Slate-blue above, reddish barring on chest	Reddish-brown above, pale below with streaks
Habitat	Forests, wooded areas, near urban environments	Open fields, grasslands, and forests
Hunting Style	Stealthy, often hunts in wooded areas	Soars high, hunts from perches or in flight
Call	Sharp, whistle-like “kik-kik-kik”	Deep, raspy “kee-reee” or “kerr”

Red-tailed hawk measurements

When it comes to size, red-tailed hawks present an intriguing contrast between the sexes. 

Males typically range from 18 to 22 inches in length, aligning closely with the dimensions of female Cooper’s hawks, which makes for a fascinating comparison within the raptor family. 

In contrast, females can grow larger, measuring between 20 and 26 inches. This size difference is not just a trivial detail; it plays a crucial role in their hunting strategies and nesting behaviors.

Weight also highlights the disparity between male and female red-tailed hawks. 

Males weigh between 24 and 46 ounces, while females are heftier, tipping the scales at 32 to 51 ounces. 

This greater mass allows females to take on larger prey and provide more substantial meals for their young. 

Despite these differences in length and weight, both sexes boast similar wingspans of 45 to 52 inches, showcasing their powerful ability to soar gracefully across vast landscapes. 

This uniformity in wingspan can be seen as a testament to their shared adaptation for hunting, whether they are soaring high above or diving down to catch their next meal.

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Which is more common, Cooper’s hawks or Red-tailed hawks?

When it comes to spotting these majestic birds in the wild, the red-tailed hawk clearly takes the lead. 

With an estimated population of around 2 million individuals, this widespread raptor thrives across a variety of habitats, from open fields to urban areas. 

Their distinctive reddish-brown tail and powerful silhouette make them a familiar sight for birdwatchers and casual observers alike.

Cooper’s hawk, with its population of approximately 800,000 individuals, tends to favor denser woodlands and suburban environments. 

This smaller hawk is known for its agility and hunting prowess, often seen darting through trees in pursuit of smaller birds. 

While they may be less common overall, their elusive nature adds a layer of intrigue for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse. 

Other differences between Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks

Family

Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks differ significantly in their hunting techniques and preferred habitats, reflecting their unique adaptations. 

While the red-tailed hawk is a master of soaring high above open fields, using its keen eyesight to spot prey from a distance, the Cooper’s hawk thrives in dense forests. 

These agile hunters dart swiftly between trees, relying on their incredible speed and stealth to surprise smaller birds. 

This difference in hunting style highlights how each species has evolved to exploit their specific environments.

Another notable distinction lies in their physical characteristics. The red-tailed hawk boasts a robust build with broad wings and a distinctive reddish-brown tail, often seen perched majestically on fence posts or soaring in the sky. 

Cooper’s hawk has a more slender body and longer tail, which aids in maneuverability among branches. 

This sleek design allows it to navigate tight spaces while pursuing agile prey. These differences not only deepens our appreciation for these magnificent birds but also underscores the diverse strategies that raptors employ to thrive in their respective ecosystems.

Flight

When observing the flight patterns of Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks, the differences become strikingly clear. 

Cooper’s hawks are known for their agile, quick maneuvers as they navigate through dense forests in pursuit of smaller birds. 

They often engage in a characteristic flight style that includes rapid flapping followed by short glides, allowing them to dart between trees with ease. 

Red-tailed hawks tend to soar gracefully at higher altitudes, utilizing thermals to conserve energy. They can reach impressive heights of up to 2,750 feet, scanning vast landscapes for prey.

The visual experience of watching these two hawks in flight can be quite different as well. 

Cooper’s hawk displays a more erratic flight path, reflecting its hunting strategy, which relies on surprise and speed. 

This makes them fascinating to watch as they dart through the underbrush. 

The red-tailed hawk’s broad wings allow it to glide effortlessly, often circling high above with minimal effort. This soaring behavior not only showcases their strength but also gives birdwatchers an opportunity to appreciate their majestic presence against the sky. 

Each species brings its own unique flair to the world of raptors, making them both captivating subjects for nature enthusiasts.

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Habitat

Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks thrive in distinct habitats that reflect their unique hunting styles. 

Cooper’s hawks prefer the dense cover of woodlands and forests, where they can stealthily navigate through trees to ambush smaller birds. 

Their agility and quick flight allow them to dart between branches, making them skilled hunters of songbirds and doves. 

Red-tailed hawks are often found in open fields, grasslands, and urban areas, where they cansoar high and scan the ground for prey. 

Their hunting strategy relies on a keen eyesight and the ability to spot rodents or rabbits from above, making them more suited for wide-open spaces.

The differences in habitat also influence their social behaviors and nesting preferences. Cooper’s hawks typically nest in trees, utilizing thick foliage for cover to protect their young from predators. They are known for their aggressive territoriality during breeding season. 

Red-tailed hawks often build their nests on high cliffs or tall structures, which gives them a commanding view of their surroundings. 

This positioning not only helps them spot potential threats but also allows them to survey large areas for food. 

Diet and hunting

Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks have distinct hunting strategies and prey preferences that reflect their unique adaptations. 

While red-tailed hawks are often seen perched high on trees or soaring gracefully in the sky, they tend to favor open fields and woodlands for hunting. 

Their diet primarily consists of rodents, rabbits, and small game birds, making them versatile predators. 

Cooper’s hawks are more agile hunters, adept at navigating through dense vegetation. They excel in ambush tactics, targeting medium-sized birds such as mourning doves, robins, and European starlings. 

This specialization allows them to thrive in urban environments where smaller birds are abundant.

When it comes to hunting techniques, the differences become even more pronounced. Red-tailed hawks often rely on their keen eyesight to spot prey from great distances before swooping down with powerful talons. 

Cooper’s hawks use their speed and maneuverability to chase down birds in flight, showcasing remarkable agility as they weave through branches and foliage. 

This difference in approach highlights how each species has adapted to its surroundings, with the red-tailed hawk embodying a classic predator style while the Cooper’s hawk represents the nimble and strategic hunter. 

These nuances not only enriches our appreciation of these magnificent birds but also underscores the diversity of predatory behaviors in the avian world.

Life expectancy

Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks differ not only in appearance and behavior but also in their life expectancy. 

While both species can live long lives, Cooper’s hawks tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to their red-tailed counterparts. 

Cooper’s hawks typically live around 5 to 10 years in the wild, though some may reach up to 15 years under ideal conditions. 

Red-tailed hawks often enjoy a longer life, averaging 10 to 15 years, with some individuals recorded living over 25 years. 

This remarkable longevity is partly due to their adaptability and the variety of habitats they occupy.

Another fascinating aspect is that red-tailed hawks have been known to thrive in urban environments, which may contribute to their extended lifespan. 

Their ability to adjust to different surroundings allows them to find food and nesting sites more easily than Cooper’s hawks, who prefer dense woodlands and may face challenges in urban settings. 

The diet of these two species plays a role in their health and longevity. Red-tailed hawks are versatile hunters, often preying on small mammals like rabbits and squirrels, while Cooper’s hawks primarily target birds. 

This difference in diet might influence their overall health and survival rates, showcasing how environmental factors shape the lives of these incredible birds.

Calls

When distinguishing between Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks, one of the most fascinating aspects is their vocalizations. 

The Cooper’s hawk is known for its sharp, distinctive calls that can be described phonetically as ‘keeearrr’ or ‘kee-eee-arr’. 

These sounds are often heard during the breeding season, adding a melodic layer to their forested habitats. 

The red-tailed hawk boasts a more resonant and iconic scream, often characterized by a long, drawn-out “kreeeer” that echoes across open fields and skies. 

This difference in sound not only reflects their environments but also plays a role in their communication strategies.

The alarm calls of these two species highlight their unique behaviors. The Cooper’s hawk emits a rapid “cak-cak-cak” sound when threatened, which serves as an alert to nearby birds and potential predators. 

The red-tailed hawk uses a short “kik” note primarily produced by males, providing a more subdued warning. 

Female red-tailed hawks, on the other hand, are known for their longer “whaa” calls, which can resonate through the air, signaling their presence and establishing territory. 

These vocal differences not only enhance our understanding of each species but also underscore the diverse ways in which they interact with their surroundings and each other.

Coopers hawk plumage

Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks, though both impressive raptors, showcase striking differences in plumage that help enthusiasts distinguish between the two. 

The Cooper’s hawk boasts a sleek, uniform blue-grey back and upper wings, creating an elegant silhouette as it glides through the trees. 

Red-tailed hawk displays a more variable plumage, often featuring rich browns and a signature rusty-red tail that makes it easily recognizable. This vibrant tail is a hallmark of the species, standing out against the backdrop of the sky.

When observing the Cooper’s hawk up close, one cannot miss its distinctive dark cap atop its head and warm, heavily barred underparts that transition from white to a rich red near the neck. 

The three bold dark bars across its tail add an artistic touch to its appearance, visible from both below and above, while the white outer edge provides a beautiful contrast. 

Adult Cooper’s hawks further differentiate themselves with their striking orange to red eyes and bright yellow legs, attributes that lend them a fierce yet regal demeanor. 

These unique features not only highlight the beauty of the Cooper’s hawk but also serve as reminders of the diversity within the raptor family, inviting birdwatchers to appreciate each species’ individual charm.

Red-tailed hawk plumage

When comparing Cooper’s hawk and red-tailed hawk plumage, the differences go beyond just their distinctive colors. 

Cooper’s hawks are generally smaller and have a more slender appearance, with a bluish-gray back and a finely streaked chest. 

Their tail is long and square-tipped, which helps distinguish them in flight from the broader, rounded tail of the red-tailed hawk. 

The latter’s most notable feature is its rich reddish-brown tail that can be a striking sight against the sky, especially when they soar.

Red-tailed hawks showcase a fascinating variety in their plumage, occurring in dark, light, and intermediate morphs. 

Light morphs, for instance, present a mostly whitish underbelly contrasted by dark wingtips and trailing edges. 

This variability not only adds to their beauty but also aids them in blending into different habitats. Cooper’s hawks have a more consistent plumage pattern, which emphasizes their stealthy hunting style in wooded areas. 

The yellow legs and brown eyes of adult red-tailed hawks further set them apart, adding to their majestic presence as they perch high on trees or glide effortlessly overhead.

Female Cooper’s hawk vs Female Red-tailed hawk

When comparing female Cooper’s hawks and female Red-tailed hawks, size is one of the most noticeable differences. 

Female Cooper’s hawks are generally smaller, averaging about 16 to 20 inches in length, while their Red-tailed counterparts can reach lengths of 18 to 25 inches. 

This size difference can influence their hunting strategies; the more agile Cooper’s hawk excels at navigating through dense forests to catch smaller birds, while the larger Red-tailed hawk often soars high above open fields, using its keen eyesight to spot rodents and other prey.

Despite their differences, the sexes of both species exhibit similar plumage, which can make identification challenging. 

Female Cooper’s hawks have a distinctive slate-blue back with reddish barring on their underparts, while female Red-tailed hawks sport a more varied palette, including rich brown feathers with a characteristic rufous tail. 

These birds in their natural habitats can reveal fascinating behaviors; for example, while hunting, a female Cooper’s hawk may rely on stealth and quick bursts of speed, whereas a female Red-tailed hawk often employs patience, waiting on a perch for the perfect moment to dive. 

Juvenile Cooper’s hawk vs Juvenile Red-tailed hawk 

When observing juvenile Cooper’s hawks and juvenile red-tailed hawks, it can be easy to confuse the two due to their similar size and behaviors. 

Both species exhibit a certain grace while perched or soaring, yet subtle differences set them apart. 

One of the most telling features is the tail: juvenile Cooper’s hawks possess a more rounded tail with less pronounced banding, while juvenile red-tailed hawks boast three distinct dark bands along their tail, topped with a striking white edge. 

This contrast not only aids in identification but also highlights the unique adaptations each species has developed.

Juvenile Cooper’s hawks tend to be more agile and adept at navigating through dense woodlands, often relying on their stealth to surprise smaller birds. 

Juvenile red-tailed hawks are generally more versatile hunters, often seen soaring high above open fields, scanning for prey. 

This difference in hunting style reflects their respective habitats and preferred food sources, making them fascinating subjects for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike. 

By honing in on these specific traits, you can appreciate the beauty and diversity of raptors in your area, enriching your outdoor experiences.

Conclusions 

Distinguishing between a Cooper’s Hawk and a Red-Tailed Hawk is easier when you know what to look for. 

The Cooper’s Hawk is generally smaller and has a more slender body, while the Red-Tailed Hawk boasts a robust build and a signature red tail. 

Their hunting styles differ, with the Cooper’s Hawk favoring wooded areas and the Red-Tailed Hawk soaring high above open fields. 

Observing their behavior and habitat can provide helpful clues as well. Next time you’re out birdwatching, keep these tips in mind to enhance your identification skills!

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