October was National Raptor Month.  The term "raptor" is derived from the Latin word "raptor," which means "to grasp or seize." In the bird world, raptors use their claws, or talons, "to grasp and seize" their prey.  In South Florida, hawks are some of the more prominent types of raptors.  Two types of hawks found in Northern Palm Beach County, the Red-shouldered Hawk and the Cooper's Hawk, stand out for their distinct characteristics and behaviors. 

The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized bird distinguished by its striking physical features.  It typically measures 17 to 24 inches in length, with a wingspan of 37 to 43 inches.  One of its most notable traits is its reddish-orange shoulder patch and its bold, vertical bar patterns on the chest.  The call of the Red-shouldered Hawk is a loud, three-part "keek-keek-keek" that often echoes across its territory.

In terms of habitat, the Red-shouldered Hawk prefers damp environments, often found in forests, wetlands, and areas close to water sources.  This preference allows it to hunt a diverse diet, including small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.  The hawk's keen eyesight helps it spot prey from elevated perches, where it often scouts for food.

Behaviorally, Red-shouldered Hawks are known for their vocalizations and territorial nature, particularly during the breeding season.  They typically build their nests high in trees, utilizing sticks and other natural materials to create a secure environment for their young.

Red-shouldered hawks, sometimes even accompanied by crows, will chase owls out of their territory.  In turn, the Great Horned Owl often takes nestling Red-shouldered Hawks, but then the hawk occasionally turns the tables.  Once, a Red-shouldered Hawk was observed chasing a Great Horned Owl, while its mate took a young owl out of its nest and ate it.

In contrast, the Cooper's Hawk is a smaller and more agile raptor characterized by its sleek build.  This species measures about 14 to 20 inches in length, with a wingspan of approximately 29 to 35 inches.  Its plumage is predominantly slate-gray on the back with distinctive horizontal barring on its chest.  These features, combined with a rounded tail, make the Cooper's Hawk highly maneuverable, allowing it to navigate through dense vegetation effectively.  Adult Cooper's Hawks will have orange eyes, while immature ones will have yellow eyes.

Cooper's Hawks are incredibly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas and forests.  They prefer environments that provide ample cover for hunting, primarily targeting smaller birds as their primary food source.  Unlike the Red-shouldered Hawk, which tends to hunt from a perch, Cooper's Hawks often employ a stealthy approach, darting through trees to surprise their avian prey.

Dashing through vegetation to catch birds is a dangerous way of life.  In a study of more than 300 Cooper's Hawk skeletons, 23 percent showed old, healed fractures in the chest bones, especially the furcula, or wishbone.

A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeatedly squeezing.  Falcons tend to kill their prey by biting it, but Cooper's Hawks hold their catch away from the body until it dies.  They've even been known to drown their prey, holding a bird underwater until it stops moving.

While they may not vocalize as frequently as their Red-shouldered counterparts, Cooper's Hawks exhibit impressive hunting skills, relying on speed and agility to catch their meals.  Look for the flap-flap-glide flight style and remarkably long tail to distinguish them from other types of hawks. Their nesting habits closely resemble those of Red-shouldered Hawks, usually selecting sites that offer excellent concealment.

The Red-shouldered Hawk and Cooper's Hawk are essential parts of South Florida's birdlife.  By learning about their differences, birdwatchers and nature lovers can come to appreciate these amazing birds and their role in the ecosystem.  Watching these hawks in their natural habitats not only shows us the beauty of wildlife in our area but also reminds us of the importance of protecting their environments for the future.