![]() ![]() Small hawks, like Kestrels and Sharp-shinned, grow to full size in one month large species, like eagles, are full grown in only 11 weeks. ![]() After hatching, the young hawks “grow up” very quickly. Incubation takes three to six weeks, depending on the species. Large hawks lay only one or two eggs each year, small hawks from three to five. The allegiance to the breeding site is strong, however, and even those that migrate or disperse will usually return to the same nesting territory and the same mate each year. ![]() Some pairs remain together year round others may separate after the breeding season. Most hawks pair for life, but if one partner dies, the other will quickly find a new mate. Here in the northeast, hawks typically breed in the late spring or early summer. In some species, such as Sharp-shinned Hawks, females can weigh twice as much as males. This sexual size difference is often appreciable. In many animal species the males are larger and stronger, but in hawks the difference in size between the sexes is reversed, and females are larger. Not only can hawks see greater distances than humans, but their visual acuity (the ability to see clearly) is eight times that of ours. ![]() Their sense of hearing is excellent, and their eyesight the best in the entire animal world. Some species undertake long migrational journeys, traveling thousands of miles each year – a testimony to their strength and stamina. Swift fliers, some hawks can attain speeds of over 150 mph when diving. Their feet are equipped with sharp, curved talons for capturing prey, and their strong beaks are hooked for biting and tearing flesh. It has been going on for millions of years and is, in fact, a necessary function which helps to maintain nature’s balance. They catch, kill, and eat a wide variety of other animals in order to survive. For instance, an American Kestrel weighs only 4 ounces, while a Bald Eagle can weigh 13 pounds – 52 times as much. Although all hawks have certain basic similarities such as keen eyesight, hooked beaks and taloned feet, a wide diversity of forms and sizes exists among them. Sixteen species that regularly occur in New Jersey are described on this website. All are classified as birds of prey, or raptors. Worldwide there are approximately 270 species of carnivorous birds that comprise the order Falconiformes – the scientific name for hawks. Sometimes they will use an old squirrel or crow's nest.“Hawk” is a general term used to describe the entire group of diurnal (active by day) predatory birds. Number of young:Ĭooper's hawks normally nest in the heavy forest, laying 2-5 eggs. It is sometimes referred to as the "chicken hawk." In fairness, many types of hawks have been dubbed "chicken hawk," including the red-tailed hawk. Size:Ĭlick here for more Cooper's hawk photographs. It was recently removed from the Illinois State Endangered Species List. The Cooper's hawk is an Illinois wildlife success story. Cooper's hawks also eat small mammals and reptiles. Quick Facts about the Cooper's Hawk: Diet: Placing bird feeders near shrubs or other cover can also provide protection from predators. If a Cooper's Hawk arrives at your feeder, stop bird feeding for a few days and it will move on. Click here for more Cooper's hawk photos. Perhaps it thinks dinner will come to him. This one seems to have decided to make itself comfortable. Cooper's hawks eat birds, and have been known to show up at bird feeders. Of its relatives, the sharp-shinned hawk is smaller and the northern goshawk is larger.Ĭooper's hawks have recovered partially because they have adapted to urban and suburban environments.īecky Redenbo took this picture of a Cooper's hawk sitting in the bird bath just outside her window. The Cooper's hawk is about the size of a crow. Their long tails act as rudders that allow them to be extremely maneuverable in wooded areas as they hunt birds on the wing. Cooper's hawks belong to a family of hawks known as Accipiters. ![]()
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