![]() ![]() in diameter around the nest site, although they may forage up to 2 miles away. ![]() Males vigorously defend an area approximately 100 ft. Typically, the nest is built of sticks with a “cup” that is lined with bark flakes, and is placed in a main crotch or on a horizontal limb against the trunk. They prefer to nest in extensive forest areas with trees at least 50-60 feet tall, rather than in isolated trees. The male selects the nest site and does most of the nest building. The breeding season begins in late March to April and extends through May and June. Also, their tail feathers have four straight alternating bands of dark and light brown, along with a rather wide white stripe at the tip. The best field mark to use with this bird is the dark bluish-gray crown, as it contrasts nicely with a much lighter colored nape and upper back. Their breast is narrowly and sharply striped with blackish-brown on a white background. Juveniles differ from adults in having dark brown upper parts and pale buff under parts. Cooper’s wear juvenile plumage for about a year, from the time they leave the nest until the following summer. Both sexes have a dark blackish-blue gray crown with cinnamon tips on the forehead, however the coloration on the male is more pronounced. The under parts of the male are a reddish brown barring and on the female the barring is brownish without the reddish cast. The upper parts of the male are a dark bluish-gray, whereas, on the female they are brownish without the bluish cast. As adults, both sexes are similar in plumage, but males, on average, are more brightly colored. Spring migration is protracted and widespread.įemale Cooper’s are about one-third larger than males. Fall migration occurs from mid-September to mid-October. Also, birds from the northern reaches of the state drift southward, joining the migratory flow and increase the fall populations in central and southern California. They are considered residents within California, but migrants from the north substantially increase the population during the winter months. It is superbly adapted for quick pursuit of woodland birds and mammals capturing a variety of prey, but mainly jays, robins, and squirrels. It has short, powerful, rounded wings and a relatively long tail that ensures maneuverability in dense woodland areas. Generally, this bird inhabits deep woods, utilizing thick cover for both hunting and nesting. length, 14 to 20 in., wing span, 29 to 37 in.) woodland raptor, is a secretive, inconspicuous species. The Cooper’s Hawk, Accipiter cooperii, a crow-sized (avg. ![]()
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