One interesting fact about a Cooper’s hawk, their eyes change colors, chicks will usually hatch with yellow-green eyes that slowly turn orange and then red when they get older. Sharp-shinned hawk and Cooper’s hawks look a lot alike even for seasoned birders. A Cooper’s hawk is about the size of a crow whereas a sharp-shinned hawk is the size of a blue jay or dove. Their calls can be very distinct as well. If you listen closely, a Sharp Shinned Hawk will sound higher pitched, whereas a Cooper’s Hawk is lower and sounds like “kak-kak-kak” or a laugh instead of high pitched “kik-kik-kik.”
Photo taken by Gary Seloff
