South · Mississippi Flyway
Are There Cooper's Hawks in Tennessee?
Yes, but uncommon — Cooper's Hawks occur in Tennessee year-round in small numbers. Accipiter cooperii · Accipitridae
Is the Cooper's Hawk Found in Tennessee?
Cooper's Hawks do occur in Tennessee, 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 Kentucky (about 170 miles away), Alabama (about 220 miles away) and Georgia (about 270 miles away).
Often mistaken for Cooper's Hawks in Tennessee: Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel — these occur regularly in Tennessee, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Cooper's Hawk.
Cooper's Hawk is a North American backyard bird.
In Tennessee, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Cooper's Hawk in Tennessee
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Cooper's Hawk in Tennessee
Other birds in Tennessee
Birds you might also encounter in Tennessee.
Cooper's Hawk in other states
Cooper's Hawk in Tennessee: Quick Facts
The Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is an uncommon bird in Tennessee. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the South region and the Mississippi Flyway migration corridor.
For birders in Nashville and throughout Tennessee, 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 Tennessee using the related birds section.