Midwest · Mississippi Flyway
Are There Cooper's Hawks in Michigan?
Yes, but uncommon — Cooper's Hawks occur in Michigan mainly from January to December. Accipiter cooperii · Accipitridae
Is the Cooper's Hawk Found in Michigan?
Cooper's Hawks do occur in Michigan, 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 Wisconsin (about 180 miles away), Indiana (about 280 miles away) and Ohio (about 300 miles away).
Often mistaken for Cooper's Hawks in Michigan: Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel — these occur regularly in Michigan, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Cooper's Hawk.
Cooper's Hawk is a North American backyard bird.
In Michigan, this species is classified as uncommon. It is primarily a winter visitor to Michigan. 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 Michigan
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Cooper's Hawk in Michigan
Other birds in Michigan
Birds you might also encounter in Michigan.
Cooper's Hawk in other states
Cooper's Hawk in Michigan: Quick Facts
The Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is an uncommon bird in Michigan. 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 Michigan are January, February, March, April, August, September, October, November, December. For birders in Detroit and throughout Michigan, 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 Michigan using the related birds section.