Both Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks are medium-sized hawks found throughout North America. However, there are some key differences between these two species when it comes to their sizes. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the size differences between Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks by examining their lengths, wingspans, weights, and other physical characteristics. We’ll also discuss some of the implications of their differing sizes in terms of hunting styles and habitats. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which of these two hawks is the larger species.
Cooper’s Hawk Size
The Cooper’s hawk is a medium-sized accipiter hawk native to North America. Here are some key stats on the Cooper’s hawk’s size:
Length
The adult Cooper’s hawk measures between 14 to 20 inches (35-50 cm) in length. Females, which are larger than males, average around 17.5 inches (45 cm) long. Males average around 15 inches (38 cm).
Wingspan
Cooper’s hawks have wingspans ranging from 24 to 35 inches (61-89 cm). Female Cooper’s hawks have larger wingspans on average, between 30-35 inches (76-89 cm). Male Cooper’s hawks have wingspans averaging around 28 inches (71 cm).
Weight
These hawks typically weigh between 7.8 to 14.5 oz (220 to 410 g). Females are heavier, weighing 11.6–14.5 oz (330–410 g) on average. Males are smaller, weighing around 7.8–10.8 oz (220–305 g).
So in summary, the Cooper’s hawk is a medium-sized hawk with females reaching lengths of around 17.5 inches, wingspans of 30-35 inches, and weights of 11.6-14.5 oz. The smaller males reach up to 15 inches long, have 28 inch wingspans, and weigh 7.8-10.8 oz.
Red-Tailed Hawk Size
The red-tailed hawk is a large, common hawk found widely distributed throughout North America. Here are some statistics on the size of red-tailed hawks:
Length
Red-tailed hawks measure between 17 to 26 inches (43–66 cm) in length. Females average around 22 inches (56 cm) long, while males are smaller with an average length of about 18 inches (45 cm).
Wingspan
Red-tailed hawks have wingspans ranging from 45 to 58 inches (114–147 cm). On average, female red-tailed hawk wingspans are around 51 inches (130 cm). Male red-tailed hawks have slightly smaller wingspans of around 45 inches (114 cm).
Weight
These large hawks weigh between 1.5 to 3.8 lbs (680 to 1,700 g). As with length and wingspan, female red-tailed hawks are noticeably heavier than males. Females weigh 2.4 – 3.8 lbs (1,080 – 1,700 g), while males are 1.5 – 2.4 lbs (680 – 1,080 g).
In summary, the red-tailed hawk is a larger hawk species with lengths of 17-26 inches, wingspans of 45-58 inches, and weights of 1.5-3.8 lbs. Females are larger than males, averaging 22 inches long with 51 inch wingspans and weights of 2.4-3.8 lbs.
Comparing the Sizes
When looking at the key size measurements of length, wingspan, and weight, it is clear that the red-tailed hawk is substantially larger than the Cooper’s hawk.
Some key points of comparison:
- The red-tailed hawk is around 25-70% longer than the Cooper’s hawk on average.
- The red-tailed hawk has a wingspan around 1.5 to 2 times larger than the wingspan of the Cooper’s hawk.
- Red-tailed hawks weigh almost 2 to 5 times as much as Cooper’s hawks.
This size difference can be seen clearly in the following table comparing the average sizes of these two hawk species:
Measurement | Cooper’s Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
---|---|---|
Length (in) | 16.25 | 20 |
Wingspan (in) | 31.5 | 48 |
Weight (oz) | 11.2 | 34 |
So in every category, the red-tailed hawk averages substantially larger in size compared to the Cooper’s hawk.
Reasons for Size Differences
There are a few key reasons why red-tailed hawks are so much larger than Cooper’s hawks:
- Different hunting styles – Red-tailed hawks soar more often and hunt larger prey than the forest-dwelling Cooper’s hawk.
- Different habitats – Larger open habitats suit the red-tailed hawk’s larger size compared to the forest habitats of the Cooper’s hawk.
- Sexual size dimorphism – In both species, females are larger than males. This dimorphism is more pronounced in red-tailed hawks.
- Taxonomy – Red-tailed hawks are buteos while Cooper’s hawks are smaller accipiters.
The red-tailed hawk’s larger size allows it to be an effective predator of larger prey like rabbits, squirrels and small rodents. It also acts as an adaptation to hunting more in open areas. Meanwhile, the smaller size of Cooper’s hawks allows them to swiftly maneuver through dense forest when hunting smaller bird prey.
Hunting Styles and Habitats
The differing sizes of these two hawks translate to differences in their preferred hunting styles and habitats.
Cooper’s Hawk Hunting
Cooper’s hawks are adapted for hunting in forested environments. Their smaller size allows them to swiftly move through dense tree cover when chasing small prey. Some key points about Cooper’s hawks:
- Hunt songbirds, woodpeckers, jays, doves, etc.
- Wait in hiding before ambushing prey in forests.
- Agile fliers that can maneuver through forests.
- Prefer habitats like woodlots, dense forests, parks.
Red-Tailed Hawk Hunting
The larger red-tailed hawk is well-suited to hunting in open environments like fields, grasslands and deserts. Here are some key red-tailed hawk hunting traits:
- Hunt mammals like squirrels, rabbits, mice.
- Soar above open areas scanning for prey below.
- Dive at high speeds to strike prey on the ground.
- Prefer open habitats like pastures, meadows, agricultural areas.
The red-tailed hawk’s size allows it to spot prey from high up and dive swiftly to strike. Meanwhile, the Cooper’s hawk relies more on swift forest maneuvering to surprise smaller prey.
Other Physical Differences
In addition to their differences in size measurements, Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks show some other physical distinctions:
Plumage
- Cooper’s hawks have blue-gray upperparts and reddish barring on their underparts.
- Red-tailed hawks are brown above and pale below with the namesake reddish tail.
Beaks and Feet
- Cooper’s hawks have a rounded head, larger eyes, and a shorter hooked beak suited for smaller prey.
- Red-tailed hawks have a flatter head shape, smaller eyes, and longer hooked beak for large prey.
- Cooper’s hawks have relatively longer legs and toes to grip prey as compared to red-tailed hawks.
So in addition to their size differences, you can distinguish these two hawk species by more subtle differences in plumage, beak shape, feet, and other features. The red-tailed hawk’s larger beak and feet correlate with its preference for larger prey.
Population and Conservation Status
Both of these hawk species have large ranges extending across North America. Here’s a look at their estimated global population sizes:
- Cooper’s hawk – Estimated population of around 750,000 to 1.5 million
- Red-tailed hawk – Estimated population of around 2 million
The red-tailed hawk is considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population. The Cooper’s hawk is more locally common, but also considered a Species of Least Concern.
Population declines occurred in both species in the mid 1900s due to pesticide use and habitat loss. With regulations around pesticides like DDT, their populations have rebounded in many regions. Continued habitat conservation is important to maintain stable populations of both hawk species going forward.
Conclusion
In comparing the relative sizes of Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks, the red-tailed hawk clearly averages substantially larger in length, wingspan, and weight dimensions. A red-tailed hawk may be around 25-70% longer, have double the wingspan, and weigh nearly 2 to 5 times as much as a Cooper’s hawk.
These size differences correlate with variations in their preferred habitats, with the larger red-tailed hawk being adapted to hunting in open areas and the smaller Cooper’s hawk evolved for forest bird hunting. Their sizes also influence differences in things like their beak shape, plumage patterns, and foot structure. While both hawks are currently common throughout North America, habitat conservation efforts are important to ensure continued thriving populations.