Cooper's Hawk vs Sharp-shinned Hawk
The hawk that ambushes your feeder is almost always one of these two accipiters. They overlap in plumage and differ mainly in size, head shape and tail tip — and size overlaps between a small male Cooper's and a large female Sharp-shinned.
| Field mark | Cooper's Hawk | Sharp-shinned Hawk |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 14.6–17.7 in (crow-sized) | 9.4–13.4 in (jay-sized) |
| Tail tip | Rounded, with a broad white terminal band | Square or notched, thin white band |
| Head | Large, projects beyond the wrists in flight | Small, barely projects in flight |
| Cap (adult) | Dark cap contrasting with paler nape | Dark hood blending into the back |
| Legs | Thicker | Pencil-thin |
| Flight | Steady, stiff wingbeats | Snappy, quick wingbeats |
Field tips
- In flight, a big head "sticking out" like a flying cross means Cooper's; a tiny head means Sharp-shinned.
- Both hunt songbirds at feeders — this is natural predation. Dense shrubs within 10 ft of feeders give prey an escape route.
- If a hawk is camping out, take feeders down for a week and it will usually move on.
Frequently asked
How can I tell a Cooper's Hawk from a Sharp-shinned Hawk at my feeder?
Look at the tail tip and head. Cooper's have a rounded tail with a wide white tip and a larger head; Sharp-shinned have a square tail and a small, rounded head.
Should I stop feeding birds if a hawk visits?
Hawks are protected native predators. You can pause feeding for a few days to disperse the songbirds, and make sure shrub cover is close enough for them to escape.
Are these hawks protected?
Yes. Both are protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Canada's Migratory Birds Convention Act; harming or trapping them is illegal.
Sources
- Cooper's Hawk — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Sharp-shinned Hawk — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Cooper's Hawk — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.