Midwest · Mississippi Flyway
Are There Cooper's Hawks in Missouri?
Yes, but uncommon — Cooper's Hawks occur in Missouri year-round in small numbers. Accipiter cooperii · Accipitridae
Is the Cooper's Hawk Found in Missouri?
Cooper's Hawks do occur in Missouri, but they are considered uncommon. Encountering one requires patience and the right habitat.
Where to see them instead: the nearest states where Cooper's Hawks occur regularly are Illinois (about 200 miles away), Iowa (about 250 miles away) and Arkansas (about 250 miles away).
Often mistaken for Cooper's Hawks in Missouri: Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel — these occur regularly in Missouri, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Cooper's Hawk.
Cooper's Hawk is a North American backyard bird.
In Missouri, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Cooper's Hawk in Missouri
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Cooper's Hawk in Missouri
Other birds in Missouri
Birds you might also encounter in Missouri.
Cooper's Hawk in other states
Cooper's Hawk in Missouri: Quick Facts
The Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is an uncommon bird in Missouri. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the Midwest region and the Mississippi Flyway migration corridor.
For birders in Kansas City and throughout Missouri, 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 Missouri using the related birds section.