Harris Hawk
Parabuteo unicinctus
Also known as: Bay-winged Hawk, Dusky Hawk
The Harris's Hawk is a unique raptor native to the arid southwestern US and South America, famously known as 'wolves of the sky'. Unlike other birds of prey which are solitary, they hunt in family groups, using complex cooperative tactics to flush out and capture prey in difficult scrubland terrain. This social nature makes them one of the most popular birds in falconry.
Did you know?
Harris's hawks often hunt in groups, a rare behaviour among birds of prey that increases their success rate.Harris Hawk Quick Facts
Detailed Information on the Harris Hawk
Weight 0.9 kg
Height 55 cm
Length 56 cm
Wingspan 110 cm
Top Speed 70 km/h
Social Structure: Cooperative groups
Activity Pattern: Diurnal
Trophic Level: Carnivore
Migration: Resident
Population Trend: Stable
Main Threats:
- Habitat loss
- Electrocution
Sonoran Desert (USA)
The Pantanal (Brazil)
Family: Accipitridae
Order: Accipitriformes
