Cooper’s hawks and crows are both medium-sized birds, but there are some key differences in their sizes. Cooper’s hawks are raptors that prey on small birds and mammals, while crows are omnivorous birds that eat a varied diet. Understanding how these two species compare in terms of their dimensions can provide interesting insights into their adaptations, behaviors, and roles in their ecosystems.
In this article, we will explore how Cooper’s hawks and crows differ in terms of their:
- Weight
- Length
- Wingspan
- Tail length
Examining these physical traits side-by-side reveals some fascinating contrasts between these two common North American birds. Read on to learn more about sizing up a Cooper’s hawk versus a crow.
Weight
One major difference between Cooper’s hawks and crows is their weight. Cooper’s hawks are significantly lighter.
The average weight of a Cooper’s hawk is:
- Male: 220-350 grams (0.5 – 0.75 lbs)
- Female: 340-700 grams (0.75 – 1.5 lbs)
Crows are noticeably heavier, with an average weight of:
- 325-520 grams (0.7 – 1.1 lbs)
So while large male Cooper’s hawks may weigh around the same as a small crow, most Cooper’s hawks are decidedly lighter than crows. Their petite size aids them in agile hunting of bird and mammal prey. Crows’ heavier weight likely provides advantages for omnivorous foraging and mobility.
Weight Comparison Table
Bird | Average Weight Range |
---|---|
Cooper’s Hawk Male | 220-350 g (0.5 – 0.75 lbs) |
Cooper’s Hawk Female | 340-700 g (0.75 – 1.5 lbs) |
Crow | 325-520 g (0.7 – 1.1 lbs) |
Length
In terms of length, Cooper’s hawks measure smaller than crows, but not dramatically so.
The average length of a Cooper’s hawk is:
- Male: 30-36 cm (12-14 inches)
- Female: 35-41 cm (14-16 inches)
The average length of a crow is:
- 33-45 cm (13-18 inches)
So while crows are on the longer end of the range, there is significant overlap with Cooper’s hawks. The female hawk is the closest match lengthwise for a moderate-sized crow. This moderate difference in length aids the agility and hunting strategy of the Cooper’s hawk while providing the crow mobility among trees and the ground.
Length Comparison Table
Bird | Average Length Range |
---|---|
Cooper’s Hawk Male | 30-36 cm (12-14 in) |
Cooper’s Hawk Female | 35-41 cm (14-16 in) |
Crow | 33-45 cm (13-18 in) |
Wingspan
Looking at wingspan, the difference between Cooper’s hawks and crows is more pronounced.
The average wingspan of a Cooper’s hawk is:
- Male: 58-71 cm (23-28 in)
- Female: 67-84 cm (26-33 in)
The average wingspan of a crow is:
- 85-100 cm (33-39 in)
So crows have a significantly larger wingspan on average than Cooper’s hawks. This aids crows in covering long distances in flight and manoeuvring well among trees. The more compact wingspan of Cooper’s hawks allows great agility and speed in dense habitats when hunting.
Wingspan Comparison Table
Bird | Average Wingspan Range |
---|---|
Cooper’s Hawk Male | 58-71 cm (23-28 in) |
Cooper’s Hawk Female | 67-84 cm (26-33 in) |
Crow | 85-100 cm (33-39 in) |
Tail Length
The tails of Cooper’s hawks are moderately shorter than those of crows.
The average tail length of a Cooper’s hawk is:
- Male: 14.5-16.5 cm (5.7-6.5 in)
- Female: 15.5-17.5 cm (6.1-6.9 in)
The average tail length of a crow is:
- 20-25 cm (7.9-9.8 in)
This supports the crow’s need for aerodynamic balance and agility during flight among trees. The Cooper’s hawk’s tail aids in swift directional changes during hunting pursuits in dense habitats.
Tail Length Comparison Table
Bird | Average Tail Length Range |
---|---|
Cooper’s Hawk Male | 14.5-16.5 cm (5.7-6.5 in) |
Cooper’s Hawk Female | 15.5-17.5 cm (6.1-6.9 in) |
Crow | 20-25 cm (7.9-9.8 in) |
Conclusion
In summary, while Cooper’s hawks and crows have some overlapping dimensions, there are clear differences in their relative sizes:
- Cooper’s hawks are lighter overall than crows.
- Crows are generally longer than Cooper’s hawks, though with significant range overlap.
- Crows have a substantially larger wingspan than Cooper’s hawks.
- Crows have moderately longer tails than Cooper’s hawks.
So when sizing up these two common birds, the crow averages distinctly bigger in wingspan and tail, moderately longer in body length, and noticeably heavier than the petite, agile Cooper’s hawk. Their divergent sizes suit their distinct lifestyles and ecological roles, with the larger crow adapted for generalist omnivory and the smaller Cooper’s hawk evolved to specialize in hunting other birds. Observing how their dimensions compare provides a fascinating window into form and function in nature.