Birds of North Carolina:
their Distribution and Abundance
Cooper's Hawk - Accipiter cooperii
ACCIPITRIDAE Members:
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General Comments This Accipiter was apparently a reasonably numerous breeding species in the first half of the 20th Century, even nesting toward the coast. However, for whatever reason (DDT?), Cooper's Hawks went into a steep decline in the 1960's-1980's, especially as a breeder. Thankfully, numbers have bounced back since at least 1990, and this formerly uncommon bird is now seen more often than the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk during the summer and in much of the remainder of the year. This species is more tolerant of humans and suburban habitats, and birds breed in a variety of forests and woodlots, occasionally in cities and towns. At other seasons, like the Sharp-shinned Hawk, it favors a mix of forests or woodlots interspersed with fields and is not normally found inside deep forests. Unlike the Sharp-shinned, Cooper's frequently perch in the open, such as in a tree in a field or on a fencepost.
Breeding Status Breeder
NC BRC List Definitive
State Status
U.S. Status
State Rank S3S4B,S4N
Global Rank G5
Coastal Plain Permanent resident, with migratory movements; increasing. Generally uncommon in migration and as a winter resident, not obviously more numerous in fall migration. Breeds over most of the region but very rare if not casual along and very near the immediate coast; rare in the Tidewater area, and rare to very uncommon over the remainder of the province. Notable were 3 active nests observed in 2021 in the northern parts of Dare -- Corolla, Southern Shores, and on Roanoke Island. Peak counts: a published report of 134 in fall migration along the coast on a single day [Chat 40:47 link] is believed to be a mis-identification; 14, Morehead City CBC, 19 De 2010; 12, Cape Hatteras, 19 Oct 1993.
Piedmont Permanent resident, with some migratory movements; increasing. Uncommon, but widespread and often seen, in fall, winter, and spring, and rare to uncommon as a breeder. Nests over the entire province. Peak counts:?
Mountains Permanent resident, with some migratory movements; slightly increasing. Uncommon fall migrant, rare to very uncommon in winter and spring, and generally rare in summer, not breeding at higher elevations (mainly over 4,500 feet). Peak counts:
Finding Tips You simply cannot search for this species; you must be afield frequently, and keep your eyes open to hawks overhead and darting across fields. Unlike the Sharp-shinned, which shuns perching in the open, the Cooper's has a proclivity for perching in the open, at times; they can be seen occasionally on fence posts, in lone trees in fields, and in parks in cities. Of course, they are most often seen darting across a field or in the sky.
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Attribution LeGrand[2023-03-20], LeGrand[2021-09-03], LeGrand[2018-02-02]
NC Map
Map depicts all counties with a report (transient or resident) for the species.
Click on county for list of all known species.
NC Breeding Season Map
Map depicts assumed breeding season abundance for the species.