What type of bird is a Cooper's Hawk classified as?

A Cooper's Hawk is classified as an Accipiter because this genus is characterized by medium-sized raptors that are agile fliers, primarily preying on smaller birds. The Accipiter family is known for their long tails and relatively short wings, which enables them to maneuver swiftly through wooded habitats while hunting. This adaptability and hunting style is distinctive to Cooper's Hawks, setting them apart from other types of raptors.

The other classifications mentioned represent different families of birds of prey. Buteos are known for their broader wings and larger stature, typically hunting rodents and other small mammals, while the genus Falco includes species like falcons that are swift, often hunting in open areas. Strigiformes is the order of owls, characterized by their nocturnal habits and silent flight. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the Cooper's Hawk fits within the Accipiter classification.