Which prey are Cooper's Hawks best suited to hunt?

Cooper's Hawks are particularly well adapted to hunting smaller birds, and quails fall within this category. Their agile flight allows them to navigate through wooded areas and dense vegetation where quail are typically found. This capability enables them to ambush their prey effectively. Cooper's Hawks have a physical structure that includes a longer tail and short wings, which aids in maneuverability, allowing them to make quick turns and chase after smaller, agile birds like quail.

While ducks, jackrabbits, and pheasants are also prey species, they are generally larger or have different habitats and behaviors that make them less ideal for Cooper's Hawks. Ducks are often situated in water, jackrabbits are larger ground mammals requiring different hunting strategies, and pheasants are similar in size to quail but may be more challenging to catch due to their typical habitats and behavior. Hence, quail are the most suitable prey for Cooper's Hawks among the options provided.