South · Atlantic Flyway
Are There Cooper's Hawks in Virginia?
Yes, but uncommon — Cooper's Hawks occur in Virginia year-round in small numbers. Accipiter cooperii · Accipitridae
Is the Cooper's Hawk Found in Virginia?
Cooper's Hawks do occur in Virginia, 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 West Virginia (about 70 miles away), North Carolina (about 170 miles away) and Maryland (about 170 miles away).
Often mistaken for Cooper's Hawks in Virginia: Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel — these occur regularly in Virginia, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Cooper's Hawk.
Cooper's Hawk is a North American backyard bird.
In Virginia, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Cooper's Hawk in Virginia
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Cooper's Hawk in Virginia
Other birds in Virginia
Birds you might also encounter in Virginia.
Cooper's Hawk in other states
Cooper's Hawk in Virginia: Quick Facts
The Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is an uncommon bird in Virginia. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the South region and the Atlantic Flyway migration corridor.
For birders in Virginia Beach and throughout Virginia, 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 Virginia using the related birds section.