The resemblance between COOPER HAWK and Sharpshin is not confined to color but extends to habits, the Cooper being fiercer and more destructive perhaps because of its superior size. It will dash into the farmyard like a bolt, passing within a few feet of individuals and carrying off a young chicken with incredible swiftness. The attack is accomplished so suddenly that, unless the gun is in hand, the robber always escapes. There is no time to dash even a few yards for a weapon — the thief is gone before it can be reached. If there is plenty of thick cover in the run, chickens often will escape, especially the more active breeds like Leghorns. At my home in the Taconic Hills near Kent, Connecticut, I have repeatedly seen them strike but as the foliage is dense and brushy they have been invariably unsuccessful in securing the quarry. In four years we did not lose a chicken by Hawks.
Averaging less than a pound in weight, they are capable of killing good-sized chickens, grouse or rabbits. It is the most destructive species farmers have to contend with and is especially fond of domesticated pigeons. A cote near its nesting site soon is depleted unless the owner detects and destroys the marauder. Like the Sharpshin, its food is almost entirely of birds altho some squirrels and small mammals are captured occasionally.
North America.