Birds of Sisters

The Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooper) inhabits woodland areas where their diet consists of birds (75 percent) and small mammals (25 percent). This of course varies depending on the season and area hunted.

These mid-sized hawks at maturity are 14 to 17 inches tall and weigh 16 to 24 oz. They were referred to as "chicken hawks" and fiercely hunted until the Migratory Bird Treaty Act was amended in 1972 to protect owls and hawks.

The Cooper's hawk will hide in trees and wait for opportunities to dive quickly onto its prey, often crashing through branches to finally capture its quarry. Specimens of this hawk have been found with numerous broken and healed chest bones caused by this reckless hunting style.

The nest of the Cooper's hawk is normally found within the tree canopy 25- to 50-feet high and often in mistletoe clumps. Two to six bluish-white eggs are laid, which incubate for 30 to 36 days; and fledging takes place in approximately five to seven weeks.

This hawk is a common visitor to our bird feeders in search of an easy meal.

For more Cooper's hawk photos visit http://abird singsbecauseithasasong.com/recent-journeys.