Cooper’s Hawks can and sometimes do prey on chickens, particularly chicks, bantams, or smaller breeds. This raptor, historically referred to as a “chicken hawk,” is an opportunistic hunter that targets poultry if the opportunity arises, especially if the birds are young or unguarded. While a large adult hen of a standard breed may be too heavy to carry off, the hawk is capable of killing and consuming the bird on the spot. The threat is generally lower to a standard adult flock than from larger raptors, but any unprotected chicken is a potential target.
Identifying the Cooper’s Hawk
The Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is a medium-sized raptor often called a “bird hawk.” It has the distinct Accipiter body shape, characterized by broad, rounded wings and a noticeably long tail, which acts as a rudder for high-speed maneuvering through dense cover. In flight, they use a characteristic “flap-flap-glide” pattern.
Adult Cooper’s Hawks display a steely blue-gray coloration on their back and head, often with a darker cap. Their underside is barred with reddish or rufous feathers, and the long tail features thick dark bands with a distinct white tip. Immature birds are brown above and streaked vertically with brown on their pale undersides, having yellow eyes that darken to orange or red as they mature.
Primary Diet and Predation Risk
The Cooper’s Hawk’s diet consists primarily of small- to medium-sized birds, such as robins, starlings, jays, and pigeons. They also consume small mammals like squirrels, chipmunks, and mice, exhibiting an opportunistic feeding strategy. The hawk hunts using stealth, often perching in dense cover to await prey before launching a sudden, rapid attack.
The risk to a poultry flock increases when chickens free-range without overhead cover. The hawk views chickens as bird prey, and an exposed flock presents an easy target compared to catching wild birds. Smaller birds like bantam hens, juveniles, or chicks are vulnerable because their size makes them easier to subdue and carry away. Even standard-sized birds are at risk when isolated, as the hawk will ambush and kill them using its powerful talons.
Deterring Aerial Predators
Protecting a flock requires a layered defense that obstructs the hawk’s hunting approach and confuses its visual targeting. The most effective strategy eliminates the open airspace a raptor needs for its high-speed dive. Covering the chicken run entirely with heavy-duty overhead netting, hardware cloth, or camouflage netting creates a solid physical barrier.
Visual deterrents disrupt the hawk’s focus, as raptors are dependent on sight for hunting. Hanging reflective objects like old CDs, metallic Mylar tape, or aluminum foil strips around the run can be effective. The unpredictable flashes of light created by the sun hitting these moving objects can startle and confuse the hawk, making it hesitant to approach. To remain effective, these visual aids should be moved frequently so the hawk does not become accustomed to their presence.
Modifying the environment around the poultry area reduces vulnerability by limiting the hawk’s hunting advantage. Providing natural cover, such as low-hanging shrubs or brush piles, gives chickens places to quickly hide when a hawk is sighted. Moving all feed and water sources inside a fully covered run encourages the flock to remain protected, reducing the time they spend exposed.