Home › R › Remarks (This species very closely)

Remarks (This species very closely)

This species very closely resembles Cooper's Hawk. In adult plumage the black cap characterizes that species, but immature birds may be distinguished only by size and the difference in the shape of the tail, which in velox is nearly square, and in cooperi decidedly rounded. Range.-Breeds throughout the United States, and winters from Massachusetts to Central America. Washington, common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, common T. V., Apl. 15 to Apl. 30; Sept. and Oct.; rare S. R., uncommon W. V. Nest, in trees, fifteen to forty feet from the ground. Eggs, three to six, varying from bluish white to pale cream-buff, distinctly spotted, heavily blotched, or even washed with chocolate or cinnamon-rufous, 1.55 x 1.20. The generally misapplied names "Hen Hawk" and "Chicken Hawk" should be restricted to the birds of this genus, for they de- FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. serve the reputation commonly attributed to the large Hawks of the genus Buteo.

The Sharp-shinned Hawk differs decidedly in habits from the mouse- or insect-eating species, which watch for their prey from a lookout and capture it on the ground. It is a fearless, daring, aggressive bird, and flying swiftly, rather low, either in the open or through woods, it makes sudden dashes at the frightened birds, which hurry to cover to escape its talons. One hears a commotion among the birds; calls of alarm, and a dark form darts through the foliage in close pursuit, or, missing its aim, alights in the center of some thickly leaved tree, there to await in silence a fresh opportunity. Sometimes it may be seen soaring in narrow circles, when its disproportionately long tail forms a good field character. It is usually a voiceless bird except during the nesting season, when a too close approach to its nest causes it to utter its peculiar notes. "Of 159 stomachs examined, 6 contained poultry or game birds; 99, other birds; 6, mice; 5, insects; and 52 were empty" (Fisher). 333. Accipiter cooperi (Bonap.). COOPER'S HAWK. Ad.-Similar to adults of the preceding, but larger and with the crown blackish. Im.- Similar in color to young of A. velox, but larger. ♂ L., 15.50; W., 9.50; T., 7·75; B. from N., 55.

L., 19.00; W., 10.50; T., 9.00.