Similar Species

Cooper's Hawks are notoriously difficult to separate from Sharp-shinned Hawks. Cooper’s Hawks are a larger species, but males and females differ so much in size that this character alone is rarely enough. Remember that Cooper’s Hawks tend to be more common breeders in suburban areas, whereas Sharp-shinned Hawks nest almost exclusively in conifers and heavily wooded areas; you’ll see them in neighborhoods typically only in winter. Cooper’s Hawks have larger heads than Sharp-shinned, and in flight the head usually projects well beyond the leading edge of the wings. Also look for the Cooper’s rounded tail; when folded the outer feathers are usually shorter than the central ones. Adult Cooper’s Hawks have a dark cap and pale back of the neck, whereas Sharp-shinned Hawks have a dark cap and nape. Immature Cooper’s Hawks have neat brown streaks concentrated on the chest, whereas immature Sharp-shinned Hawks have broad, blurry streaks that go well down onto the belly. Cooper’s Hawk also has thicker legs and larger feet—this can be a great clue when looking at perched birds up close. The Merlin is similar in size, but it’s a falcon—it has pointed wings and a shorter tail. Merlins are dark, streaky birds and they behave differently, flying powerfully and usually hunting out in the open.

• Cooper's Hawk
• Merlin