Midwest · Mississippi Flyway
Are There Cooper's Hawks in Iowa?
Yes, but uncommon — Cooper's Hawks occur in Iowa mainly from January to December. Accipiter cooperii · Accipitridae
Is the Cooper's Hawk Found in Iowa?
Cooper's Hawks do occur in Iowa, but they are considered uncommon. Encountering one requires patience and the right habitat in winter.
Where to see them instead: the nearest states where Cooper's Hawks occur regularly are Missouri (about 250 miles away), Wisconsin (about 250 miles away) and Illinois (about 250 miles away).
Often mistaken for Cooper's Hawks in Iowa: Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel — these occur regularly in Iowa, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Cooper's Hawk.
Cooper's Hawk is a North American backyard bird.
In Iowa, this species is classified as uncommon. It is primarily a winter visitor to Iowa. The best months to observe this bird are January, February, March, April, August, September, October, November, December. Peak activity occurs in January, December.
Monthly Activity — Cooper's Hawk in Iowa
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Cooper's Hawk in Iowa
Other birds in Iowa
Birds you might also encounter in Iowa.
Cooper's Hawk in other states
Cooper's Hawk in Iowa: Quick Facts
The Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is an uncommon bird in Iowa. It is classified as a winter visitor in the state, falling within the Midwest region and the Mississippi Flyway migration corridor.
The best months to spot this species in Iowa are January, February, March, April, August, September, October, November, December. For birders in Des Moines and throughout Iowa, knowing the seasonal patterns of Cooper's Hawk can help plan birding trips and backyard feeding strategies.
Use the monthly activity chart above to plan your birding outings, and explore other bird species found in Iowa using the related birds section.