Backyard birdwatchers often get stumped when a small, fast-moving hawk zooms into the feeder area. Was it a Sharp-shinned Hawk or a Cooper’s Hawk? These two accipiters look nearly identical at first glance, but they have key differences in size, shape, and behavior.
This guide breaks down those differences so you can identify them with confidence whether they’re perched in a tree or streaking through the sky.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
- Smallest hawk in North America
- Slender body with shorter wings and squared-off tail
- Thin legs (hence the name “sharp-shinned”)
- Eye color changes with age: yellow in juveniles, orange to red in adults
Cooper’s Hawk
- Larger, crow-sized hawk
- Rounded tail tip with distinct white band
- Broader head and neck, giving a blockier profile
- Orange eyes in adults, yellow in juveniles
Comparison Table
| Feature | Sharp-shinned Hawk | Cooper’s Hawk |
| Size | 10–14 in (robin-sized) | 14–20 in (crow-sized) |
| Tail Shape | Squared-off | Rounded with white tip |
| Head Proportion | Small, tucked | Large, blocky |
| Flight Style | Quick, snappy wingbeats | Slower wingbeats, more gliding |
| Leg Thickness | Thin “sharp shins” | Thicker, more robust |
| Common Setting | Backyard feeders | Wooded edges, urban areas |
Habitat and Range
Sharp-shinned Hawk
- Found across Canada, U.S., and into Central America
- Prefers dense forests, but often visits backyard feeders chasing songbirds
- Migrates seasonally, often seen in large numbers at raptor migration watch sites
Cooper’s Hawk
- Range overlaps with Sharp-shinned across North America
- Adapted well to suburbs, woodlots, and city parks
- More likely to stay year-round in milder climates
Read also: Robin vs Blue Jay:Differences
Behavior and Hunting Style
Sharp-shinned Hawk
- Quick, acrobatic flyer weaving through trees
- Hunts mainly small birds like sparrows, finches, and chickadees
- Often ambushes feeders suddenly
Cooper’s Hawk
- Larger prey: doves, pigeons, squirrels, jays
- Uses surprise attacks but also longer chases
- Tends to perch more visibly before striking
Calls and Vocalizations
Sharp-shinned Hawk
- High-pitched, rapid “kik-kik-kik”
- Often used during nesting season
Cooper’s Hawk
- Slower, lower “cak-cak-cak” call
- More drawn-out and less sharp than the Sharp-shinned
Which One Are You Seeing?
- At a backyard feeder: If the hawk looks small, darting, and quick—it’s likely a Sharp-shinned.
- If it seems crow-sized with a rounded tail: You’re probably looking at a Cooper’s Hawk.
- Flight clue: Sharpies flap-flap-glide in bursts, while Cooper’s Hawks show steadier, stronger wingbeats.
FAQs
Which hawk is more common at backyard feeders?
Both visit feeders, but Sharp-shinned Hawks are more frequent due to their preference for small birds.
How can I tell them apart in flight?
Sharp-shinned Hawks flap more rapidly with quicker wingbeats, while Cooper’s Hawks have slower, more powerful strokes with longer glides.
Do Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks migrate?
Yes. Sharp-shinned Hawks migrate long distances, while many Cooper’s Hawks are partial migrants depending on location.
Can these two hawks live in the same area?
Yes, their ranges overlap widely, but they often target slightly different prey sizes, reducing direct competition.
Which hawk is larger, the Sharp-shinned or Cooper’s?
The Cooper’s Hawk is much larger, roughly crow-sized, while the Sharp-shinned is closer to robin-sized.
