Cooper's Hawk vs Red-shouldered Hawk

Cooper's Hawk and Red-shouldered Hawk can be distinguished by their structure and plumage. Cooper's Hawk has a more streamlined body with rounded wings and a long tail, while Red-shouldered Hawk is bulkier with broader wings and a shorter tail. Plumage differences include the Cooper's Hawk's grayish back and reddish barring on the chest, contrasting with the Red-shouldered Hawk's distinctive rufous shoulders and black-and-white checkered wings.

1. Structure: Look for the Cooper's Hawk's rounded wings and long tail versus the Red-shouldered Hawk's broader wings and shorter tail. 2. Plumage: Note the Cooper's Hawk's gray back and reddish barring, contrasting with the Red-shouldered Hawk's rufous shoulders and checkered wings. 3. Behavior: Observe the Cooper's Hawk's quick, agile flight through trees, compared to the Red-shouldered Hawk's soaring or perching habits. 4. Habitat: Consider the habitat; Cooper's Hawk is more common in urban and suburban areas, while Red-shouldered Hawk prefers areas near water. 5. Vocalization: Listen for the Cooper's Hawk's rapid 'cak-cak-cak' versus the Red-shouldered Hawk's 'kee-aah'.

Cooper's Hawk is generally smaller and more slender compared to the bulkier Red-shouldered Hawk.

Cooper's Hawk has a gray back and reddish barring on the chest, while Red-shouldered Hawk features rufous shoulders, black-and-white checkered wings, and a pale underbody with rufous barring.

Cooper's Hawk is agile and often seen darting through trees in pursuit of prey, while Red-shouldered Hawk is more likely to be seen soaring or perched in open areas.

Cooper's Hawk prefers wooded areas, including urban parks, while Red-shouldered Hawk is often found near water bodies in deciduous woodlands.

Cooper's Hawk has a series of rapid 'cak-cak-cak' calls, while Red-shouldered Hawk's call is a loud, repeated 'kee-aah'.