Cooper's Hawk - Physical Characteristics
COOPER’S HAWK PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Cooper’s Hawks are part of the accipiter family of raptors. Accipiters have short, broad wings and a long tail. Their flight pattern is identified by several quick flaps and a glide. Adult Cooper’s Hawks are a bit simpler to identify as they have greyish black cap, and back feathers, bluish grey underparts and white chest and underparts, and a reddish colored barred chest.
Adult Cooper’s Hawks have a distinguishing, long, thickly barred tail. Their tail is long with a wide, white terminal band. They also have red eyes, although some females have orangish colored eyes. This unique color can aid with hawk identification.
Juvenile Cooper’s Hawks are quite different in appearance. They have brown backs and heads with white underparts. They have a brown streaking colors on their backs and their chest is more streaked than barred in appearance. They also generally will have yellow eyes.
There is some confusion between the Cooper’s Hawk and the Sharp Skinned Hawk as they are similar in appearance. The Cooper’s Hawk has more of a greyish black cap with their lighter coloring represented on the back of their neck, whereas the Sharp Skinned Hawk greyish cap covers the back of the neck.
Their tails are another distinguishing feature as the Cooper’s Hawk has a rounded tail and the Sharp Skinned Hawk has a squarer tail shape in appearance. Another identifying characteristic between both raptors is size. Cooper’s Hawks are larger, averaging 15” whereas the Sharp Skinned Hawk averages 13” in size. Using this identification method can get tricky though, as female Cooper’s Hawks are larger, averaging 16-17” in size.
Cooper’s Hawks are common among accipiter species, but they are very stealth and secretive, so they can be tough to spot when in flight. A few ways to identify them are by their size, tail shape and wing beat.
Since Cooper’s Hawks are accipiters, they are smaller than other raptors like the Red-Tailed Hawk and Bald Eagle, and their tail is much longer than other hawk species making it easier to locate them. In flight, they are fast like a bullet and have a specific flap, flap and glide beat which can also aid in identification.
Cooper’s Hawks are well known for their skilled flight. They can swiftly maneuver through high trees in hot pursuit of their prey or even another Cooper’s Hawk. They are very fast and patient and will perch atop a tree for long periods of time if the area is ripe for a feast. When they spot their prey, they dive down with roaring speed to secure victory.
They are carnivorous but unlike most raptors, the Cooper’s Hawk typical menu selection consists of birds. They will typically prey on medium size birds such as the Northern Flicker, Mourning Dove or Blue Jay. However, they are a fierce and ferocious hunter and will go after larger prey like the Canada Goose.
Although they are quite picky with their diet, they will eat mammals such as Squirrels, Rabbits, Mice and Bats. Survival is key to a Cooper’s Hawk.
Cooper's Hawk Identification and Physical Characteristics
COOPER'S HAWK IDENTIFICATION AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Interestingly, when looking at a Cooper’s Hawk one thing that stands out is their tiny, thin legs. Being a smaller raptor, anatomically this makes sense. However, for this raptor, their legs are as strong as a buteo, if not stronger. They can take down prey and have even been known to drown birds with their powerful legs and talons, similar to the Northern Harrier.
The first time I held a Cooper’s Hawk I was enamored with his power; he had the same strength in his legs as a Red-Tailed Hawk or Great Horned Owl. It has been said that Cooper’s Hawks have dancers’ legs with their power, and I must agree with this statement. Cooper’s Hawks have learned to adapt, so don’t let their small size fool you.
They are well known to visit backyard bird feeders in search of easy targets. They are patient and will wait outside the area if it’s worth the effort so they can be easy to spot (if nature did not already take its course). A simple way to move along the Cooper’s Hawk is to take down your bird feeder for a few days.
Cooper’s Hawks are solitary birds and when they mate, they typically mate annually vs many raptors that mate for life. In nature, they are competitive with all raptors, even their own kind. They do not hesitate to aggressively chase other hawks, at times just because. They are, however, prey for Bald Eagles.
During nesting season, Cooper’s Hawks typically build their nests in pine, spruces, and Douglas firs that are found in dense wooded areas that are flat versus hillsides. It can be difficult to spot a Cooper’s Hawk nest as they are buried deep within the tree line. Generally, their nests are deep, with a cone shape towards the bottom that somewhat resembles a martini glass.
Sometimes you can spot their nest if they are hunting in the area. Depending on the location, some will hunt from within if there is good tree cover, keeping us on our toes. Even with their elusive nature, Cooper’s Hawks have very powerful energy within the animal kingdom.
If you suspect a nest in the area, if you are patient and monitor the environment, you may not see any bird activity in the immediate area, or even other raptor species. This is a good indicator that this fierce raptor is present. It’s almost as if they have an energy field around their home area and it acts as a repellant to keep other species away.
Interestingly, male Cooper’s Hawks take part in the primary nest building activities, whereas during the egg incubation process, the female takes the lead. The female will lay up to a half dozen eggs and incubate them for just over a month. Once hatched, it takes just over a month for the nestlings to become fledglings, where they will begin to explore their surroundings. They bumble around as fledglings for about another month before they are ready to begin the journey to a more independent lifestyle.
Cooper’s Hawks are diverse in their habitat and although they prefer forests and wooded areas, they can take up residence in parks and subdivisions. They seek out woody tree lined areas as well as deep forests. They are not opposed to living in the city and will take up residence in neighborhoods with plenty of bird feeders.
Cooper's Hawk - Symbolism
COOPER’S HAWK SPIRIT ANIMAL SYMBOLISM INTRODUCTION
As Spirit Animals, Cooper’s Hawks symbolize intellect, mental awareness, intuition, clarity, focus, adaptability, self-reliance, courage, strength, assertiveness, and power. They also represent aggression, secrets and separation from others. Cooper’s Hawks can help us navigate the complexities of our thoughts and mental landscape while empowering us to live a more balanced and centered life.
SYMBOLIC KEYWORDS
· Intellect
· Mental Awareness
· Clarity
· Focus
· Intuition
· Adaptability
· Self-Reliance
· Power
· Assertiveness
KEYWORD SYMBOLISM DEFINITIONS
Intellect / Mental Awareness
Cooper’s Hawks, like most raptors, have exceptional sight. They can see a vole or mouse from a telephone pole as well as see our eyes through our binoculars. They do not just rely on their vision as they also rely on their intuition and keen awareness of their surroundings. The Cooper’s Hawk can sense the slightest movement within the environment and turn their attention where necessary.
When we get overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions it can be difficult to find a path forward. With the Cooper’s Hawk keen awareness and powerful sight, they guide us to seek clarity and trust our inner self for guidance.
When we begin to take a wider view of our circumstances we can see things from a broader perspective. This allows us to understand what the experience is trying to teach us. Enabling us to release the negative thoughts or emotions and retain the wisdom from the experience, our Soul Life Lesson.
Self-Reliance
Cooper’s Hawks are independent birds and outside of mating season, they spend their time alone. For most raptors, an occasional fly over from another is overlooked, but not with the Cooper’s Hawk. They refuse to give up their independence at any cost. For them, when it comes to the laws of survival, intermixing with others does more harm than good.
The Cooper’s hawk guides us not to separate ourselves from others. Being fiercely independent has its advantages, but it’s also a lonely place to perch. People are put on our path for a reason, and nothing is by chance. Those we interact with from the checker at the store, to a co-worker, to our most painful relationships serve as teachers on our journey.
The interactions in our lives alert us to our feelings of anger, sadness, to feelings of elation. The people in our lives serve as mirror reflections of our own selves, the good, the bad and everything in between. Embracing this lesson, we can find value in each person we encounter as we can recognize that we need people to learn, grow and evolve spiritually.
Cooper's Hawk - Symbolism
KEYWORD SYMBOLISM DEFINITIONS CONTINUED
Clarity / Intuition
Cooper’s Hawks symbolize vision, intuition, and silent presence. They have incredible eyesight and can detect movement from great distances. The Cooper’s Hawk are patient in their hunting ritual, relying on their sharp intuitive skills to lead them to success.
For most, we see the world around us with our five senses, what we can see, hear, touch, taste and feel. This can limit our view of the world around us as well as our view of ourselves. We can get stuck in our daily existence and eventually lose the passion we once had for life.
The Cooper’s Hawk reminds us to look beyond what we see with our eyes and look within for the wisdom and guidance we seek. When our energy is off, it is our internal guidance system trying to get our attention that there is something we need to address in our lives.
Adaptability
Cooper’s Hawks have the ability to live in a diverse habitat, from forests to city parks to neighborhoods, with each change in environment requires new hunting practices and techniques necessary to survive. Cooper’s Hawks are also extremely agile in flight and can maneuver through high treetops at soaring speeds to secure their target. With their silent presence, they can blend with the surroundings to ensure success when the moment is right.
With their adaptable nature, Cooper’s Hawks teach us to fearlessly embrace change. Change is never easy as it involves letting go, but with an open mind and a clear heart, we can let go of our need to control the narrative. Afterall, if we are honest with ourselves, when we try to control every aspect of our lives, how well does that really work out for us?
Power / Assertiveness
Cooper’s Hawks are powerful, ruthless and fierce. They wait patiently in a tree for just the right time to dive confidently for their meal. Cooper’s Hawks are fearless and have been known to take down larger birds such as the Canada Goose. No obstacle is too large to overcome.
They symbolize power, assertiveness, and dominance. There are times in our lives when we lack confidence. For some they may not like speaking in large groups, while for others just being around one person can cause great angst. When we allow ourselves to continue to feel undervalued, it can also become difficult to speak up and set boundaries.
With the Coooper’s Hawk fearless and fierce nature, they guide us to courageously face our fears and release their hold over us. At the root cause of our suffering is the past, holding us back from progress and growth. When we release the attachments that no longer serve us, we develop confidence and self-esteem to empower our lives.
Cooper's Hawk - Spirit Animal Symbolism
SPIRIT ANIMAL
As a Spirit Animal, the Cooper’s Hawk spiritual meaning can empower us and guide us to use our inner power in its light. We can use this energy to overcome obstacles, make decisions, and build confidence. Developing self-esteem and inner strength to live a more balanced and empowered life.
Clarity and Intuition
Cooper’s Hawks symbolize vision, intuition, and silent presence. They are patient and will wait long periods of time for just the right meal. They rely on their sharp intuitive skills to lead them to their precise location and with their keen eyesight they can spot even the slightest movement from a great distance. The secret hunters, stealth and silent, allowing them to approach undetected.
Although these skills are necessary for nutritional requirements, in a balanced, calm, relaxed state, they can serve as a powerful resource into our inner world. Even in the silence of waiting for the opportunity to seize prey, the Cooper’s Hawk relies on their keen sense of observation and intuition to ensure their next meal will not pass them by.
Cooper’s Hawks remind us to stay balanced in our thoughts and emotions. It is easy to let one overpower as we tend to get stuck in our mind or heart. Whether we are having difficulty finding clarity to make a decision or we are upset at an interaction from the day, we can lose sight of what the experience is trying to teach us.
When we take time for self-reflection, we can get to the core of our inner struggles and find clarity from the chaos within. Typically, at the root of our challenges is change. Whether that is a big life change or a necessary change in our thoughts or behaviors – change is generally what is soaring into our lives.
The Cooper’s Hawk reminds us to embrace the silence within and rely on our inner wisdom to guide us on our path. Change can be difficult, letting go of the old to make way for the new, but on the other side is transformation and rebirth. We can find a path forward from our challenges and live a more balanced and peaceful life.
Power and Control
Cooper’s Hawks are well known for being fierce, aggressive and ruthless. With their prey, they dive down at soaring speeds, rarely missing their target. They have also been known to drown their victims, similar to the Northern Harrier.
They do not take kindly to any kind of invasion either. This is both in flight as well as home base, they will even chase and hunt down their own kind. This is further illustrated during mating season, where there is little connection as it’s a process that changes annually.
Cooper’s Hawks guide us to use our inner power in its light. For some, they may need to be more assertive or commanding. Perhaps there is difficulty setting boundaries both personally and with others, or when faced with the time to speak up and be heard, confidence rushes out like a firehose.
We can tap into the energy of the Cooper’s Hawk to build confidence and self-esteem. With their connection to intellect and thoughts, they can help us cut through the chaos in our minds and get to the root cause of our struggles. At the core of low self-esteem are fears that need to be addressed and released.
For those who resonate with the assertive or aggressive personality traits of the Cooper’s Hawk, they serve as a reminder to be mindful in how we treat ourselves and others. It is easy to let frustration and control take over and things can be said or done in haste, leading to regret later. At the core of the need to control are fears that need to be resolved and released.
It is not always easy to rise above our circumstances. When people say or do things we do not agree with it is easy to start to judge and go into attack mode. The Cooper’s Hawk reminds us that it is important to stay mindful of picking fights with our fellow humans.
When we are interacting with someone, and they say or do something annoying, or unfair and it evokes feelings of anger within you, remember, you are just looking at yourself. We are all mirror reflections of each other. Our experiences and the people we meet are our teachers, here to teach us important lessons for growth on our journey.
When we encounter such an experience it’s important to look within and seek the wisdom the lesson is trying to teach. Many times, we are the ones who need to make a change. Perhaps our own outdated beliefs or behaviors need to be examined.
Getting to the root cause of our inner struggles allows us to view our experiences symbolically. This can guide us to approach our circumstances from a balanced state rather than approaching situations in constant attack mode. Embracing the wisdom from this lesson allows us to find balance and harmony in our experiences and our interactions with others are far more peaceful.
Cooper's Hawk - Totem & Power Animal Symbolism
TOTEM ANIMAL
Those born under the Cooper’s Hawk totem are independent, fearless, assertive, confident, focused, driven and courageous. In the face of adversity, they rise above their fears and overcome obstacles in their way. They turn tragedy into triumph.
Although they are highly intellectual, they understand and appreciate the complexities of what lies beneath. For those born under the Cooper’s hawk totem, they embrace the power of their intuition and inner wisdom, they are fearless of the unknown and understand that there is always another layer hidden beneath the surface.
Cooper’s Hawk people are goal setters and achievers. Once they set a goal, they are diligent and focused to see it to completion. This serves them well in their careers as well as the self-development journey. When most see a mountain, they see a mere mole hill to climb.
They are confident and independent and take pride in this life path. For most, they find the life of solitude of great value and are comforted being with themselves. It can be a double edge talon, as they are prone to lack interpersonal relationships as they tend to get stuck in their solitary life. It is important to find balance as we need people to grow and evolve as humans.
For those born under the Cooper’s Hawk totem, they are articulate by nature but also assertive and have no problem saying what is on their mind. At times they can ruffle feathers and for most, they do not pay much attention to it. To them it is more important to speak the truth than hide behind secrets and lies.
With some Cooper’s Hawk people there can be an inner struggle to find balanced power within. With solitude and self-awareness this can become a triumph. Just remember not to separate yourself from others on the quest within. At some point, we all need support on the journey.
POWER ANIMAL
As a Power Animal, the Cooper’s Hawk serves as a powerful guide on our journey to self-empowerment. They can guide us to stay focused and build confidence to achieve our goals and dreams. Visualization as well as affirmations can provide additional support while working with the power energy of the Cooper’s Hawk.
Cooper’s Hawks are intensely focused and driven to succeed. They remain confident in their pursuits and never lose focus on the mission. When they have their sights set on a goal, they do not allow fear to get in the way of success.
For some, setting goals can be a monumental task as it can be difficult to stay focused with so many distractions in life. The Cooper’s Hawk can guide us to find clarity, clearing the clutter from our minds. With clarity of thought, we can stay focused on the goal and find a path to success.
Cooper’s Hawks also remind us that there is more than one path in life and sometimes that path is the road less traveled. With their fearless nature, they empower us to remain brave and courageous as we embark on the journey.
This could be traveling into the depths of our being to bravely battle our fears, doubts and outdated beliefs – courageously releasing the attachments that no longer serve us. The journey could also be in the physical world, a life change such as career or living arrangements. If our goal is to change our life, the Cooper’s Hawk reminds us to stay focused and never give up.
Affirmation: Focus on your dreams; stealth and patient, ready to swoop down when the time is right. Pursue your goals like a predator; persistent and focused, hunting down success with intense vigor. Allow ambition to be your talons; sharp and relentless, ripping through obstacles - shredding a path to victory and success.
Visualization: We can draw energy from the Cooper’s Hawk to help guide us on specific path. If we are seeking confidence, we can visualize a Cooper’s Hawk fiercely fighting off a predator and achieving success. If we are seeking confidence to achieve a goal, we can visualize a Cooper’s Hawk patiently waiting on the tree line, then quickly swooping down at roaring speed to achieve success in his goal.
Cooper's Hawk - Historical, Cultural, Religious Symbolism
HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS SYMBOLISM
Native American
In Native American spiritual traditions, the Cooper’s Hawk spiritual meaning represents the ability to see what is hidden below the surface, the hidden truths. They also represent intuition and wisdom, thought to guide individuals to find their true purpose in life. In some traditions, the Cooper’s Hawk is seen as a sign of imminent change. With their keen sight they are a reminder to pay attention to the world around you and listen to the voice from within.
Celtic
In Celtic spiritual culture, Cooper’s Hawks symbolize intuition, seeing beyond the surface, and clear vision. In many traditions, they represent courage and strength and are seen as a messenger between the earth and spiritual realm. They are known to carry messages on their wings.
Egyptian
In Egyptian spiritual traditions, the Cooper’s Hawk is seen as a protector, symbolizing protection and courage. They are also seen as the intermediary between the earthly and spiritual realm and guide the souls of the deceased to the next stage in the journey. It is common to find Cooper’s Hawk imagery on tombs and temples serving as a protective talisman and symbol of eternal life.
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