Aguilucho de Hudson vs Gavilán de Cooper

The white rump of the Northern Harrier is a key field mark distinguishing it from the Cooper's Hawk, which lacks this feature. The Northern Harrier is often seen flying low over open fields, while the Cooper's Hawk is more likely to be found maneuvering through wooded areas.

Look for the white rump of the Northern Harrier when seen flying low over open fields. Note the habitat: open areas suggest Northern Harrier, while wooded areas suggest Cooper's Hawk. Observe flight style: buoyant and low for Northern Harrier, agile and quick in dense areas for Cooper's Hawk.

Cooper's Hawk is midway in size between the larger American Goshawk and the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk, while the Northern Harrier is slender and more elongated.

Northern Harrier has a distinctive white rump patch, which is absent in Cooper's Hawk. Cooper's Hawk has a more uniform plumage with no such contrasting rump feature.

Northern Harrier forages by flying low and buoyantly over open areas, relying on both auditory and visual cues. Cooper's Hawk is known for its agility in dense foliage, pursuing prey with quick, powerful flight.

Northern Harrier is found in open habitats like grasslands and marshes, while Cooper's Hawk prefers wooded areas, including suburban woodlands and small forest tracts.