COOPER'S HAWK

The Cooper's Hawk, scientifically known as *Accipiter cooperii*, is a medium-sized bird of prey distinguished by its slate-gray back and richly barred red underparts. Adults have dark caps and red eyes, while juveniles display brown coloring and yellow eyes. Commonly referred to as the Chicken Hawk, this raptor is known for its agility, often seen darting through dense tree canopies in pursuit of smaller birds and mammals, which constitute the majority of its diet.

One unique quality of the Cooper's Hawk is its adaptability to urban environments, which allows it to thrive in a variety of habitats including the wooded areas around Bisbee, Arizona. This adaptability aids in controlling the population of small birds and rodents, contributing to a balanced ecosystem. In Bisbee, the presence of Cooper's Hawks adds a vital dynamic to local biodiversity, supporting the area's ecological health and offering bird watching opportunities that attract nature enthusiasts to the region.