Cooper’s Hawk (COHA) Length: 14-21 in. Weight: 12-16 oz. Red-tailed Hawk (RTHA) Length: 19-25 in. Weight: 35-38 oz. Red-shouldered Hawk (RSHA) Length: 17-24 in. Weight: 17-22 oz.
Juvenile COHA — Davide Barton
Adult COHA — Gary Park
Red-tailed Hawk — Pat Bates
RTHA — James Kenney
RSHA — Alex Viduetsky
RSHA — Gary Park
COHA (Left) and RTHA (Right) — Gary Park
Identifying hawks can be challenging, especially without binoculars. The Cooper’s Hawk (COHA) is the most common backyard hawk, often seen near bird feeders. Nature can be harsh, and feeders are sometimes called “Cooper’s Hawks’ Lunch Counters.” Everyone has to eat. COHAs don’t soar often; instead, they dart among trees and coast low to the ground. They are small hawks, which is most noticeable when they are perched. Despite their size, their large wings make them appear bigger in flight. COHAs primarily prey on small birds but also enjoy lizards, rats, and mice. They will hunt on the ground if necessary, diving into shrubbery in pursuit of food. Young COHAs have yellow eyes and a white-striped chest, while adults have bright red eyes and a reddish-striped chest.
The Red-Tailed Hawk (RTHA) is very common in Southern California, usually seen soaring overhead. They are not likely visitors to most backyards unless there is a particularly tall tree for them to perch in while scouting for squirrels and other prey. The Red-Tail truly has a red tail, which is easily visible from behind or when soaring with the sun shining through the feathers. The much larger RTHA doesn’t navigate obstacles as a COHA does. The Red-Tail’s call is a long, solitary note, often used in Western movie soundtracks to evoke a sense of the vast and lonely desert.
The Red-Shouldered Hawk (RSHA) is slightly more likely to visit a backyard than the Red-Tail. They have a preference for squirrels and rats. Slightly smaller than the Red-Tail, they are easily identified by their distinctive red shoulders and chest. The RSHA’s cry is piercing and repeated.
