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Cooper’s Hawk (Astur Cooperii)
Date of admission: September 1, 2026.
Reason for admission: Window Collision.
Patient History:
Cooper’s Hawks have a specialized diet consisting primarily of other birds, including Robins, Blue Jays, Doves, and Pigeons. Birds can make up a large portion of their diet, with the remainder consisting mainly of small mammals such as mice and squirrels. Like many birds of prey, Cooper’s Hawks are exceptional hunters. Their long tails and relatively short, rounded wings make them remarkably agile, allowing them to manoeuvre through dense vegetation and forests while pursuing prey. One fascinating characteristic of Cooper’s Hawks is their reverse sexual size dimorphism: females are typically larger and heavier than males. While scientists are still studying exactly why this difference evolved, one theory is that the smaller size of males may make them more agile hunters, while larger females may be better equipped to defend the nest and young.
Cooper’s Hawks have also adapted remarkably well to urban environments, where they can take advantage of the abundance of prey around backyard bird feeders and other developed areas. This adaptability has contributed to their success, and Cooper’s Hawks are currently considered a species of Least Concern globally.
While it is wonderful to see these adaptable hawks thriving alongside us, preventing window collisions is one simple way we can help them stay safe.
This Cooper’s Hawk was brought to us from Strathmore, Alberta, after colliding with a window. Window strikes are a common threat for birds for a number of reasons. Glass is a relatively recent addition to the natural environment, and birds do not reliably recognize it as a solid barrier. Windows can also reflect the surrounding sky, trees, and vegetation, making them appear to be an open flight path. A key part of wildlife conservation is not just rehabilitation, but prevention. Simple changes, such as installing window markers or other bird-friendly window treatments, can significantly reduce the risk of collisions in some cases by 70–95%. This Cooper’s Hawk’s journey is a great reminder that a few small changes to our homes can make a big difference for wildlife. Thank you for supporting their care!