Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii

Size: 14-20"; up to 2 1/2-foot wingspan

Male: Medium-sized hawk with short wings and long rounded tail with several black bands. Rusty breast and dark wing tips. Slate gray back. Bright yellow spot at base of gray bill. Dark red eyes.

Female: Same as male, but slightly larger.

Juvenile: Brown back with brown streaks on breast. Bright yellow eyes.

Nest: Female and male build platform nest. One brood per year.

Eggs: 2-4; greenish with brown markings

Incubation: 32-36 days; female and male incubate

Fledging: 28-32 days; male and female feed young

Migration: The Cooper's Hawk can be found in St. Charles County year round.

Food: Small birds and mammals.

Compare: Nearly identical to the Sharp-shinned Hawk, only larger, darker gray, and with a rounded off tail.