Cooper's Hawk in December
Where Cooper's hawks are in December, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
December in the Cooper's Hawk's year
December is the start of the true winter season. Birds are settled into winter ranges and flocking behavior peaks — mixed flocks move through woods and yards together, and feeding stations become social hubs. Short days mean birds must find most of their food in a few hours of daylight.
For the Cooper's Hawk specifically, December is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 56 states and provinces where Cooper's hawks occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where Cooper's hawks are in December
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- year-round resident
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In December, Cooper's hawks are absent in the South, year-round resident across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in December
Cooper's hawks are not nesting in December. The season runs March–June at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, Cooper's hawks put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in December
- Feeder birds — sparrows, finches and doves
The classic 'feeder hawk'. If one moves in, take feeders down for a week or two and it will move on.
Feeders are busiest at dawn and dusk as birds fuel up against long cold nights. Suet and other high-fat foods earn their keep this month.
Full Cooper's Hawk diet guide → · Best feeder for Cooper's hawks →
Watching Cooper's hawks this month
Cooper's hawks are settled and predictable in December, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region Cooper's hawks are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Cooper's Hawk month by month
Cooper's Hawk by state
Frequently asked
Where are Cooper's hawks in December?
In December, Cooper's hawks are absent in the South, year-round resident across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do Cooper's hawks nest in December?
No — Cooper's hawks typically nest March through June at mid-latitudes.
What do Cooper's hawks eat in December?
Feeder birds — sparrows, finches and doves.
Sources
- Cooper's Hawk — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Cooper's Hawk life history — 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.