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.
Harris Hawk Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Harris Hawk
Harris's Hawks are unusually social for raptors and often hunt cooperatively in family groups. Working together helps them flush, chase, and ambush prey more effectively than a single bird could on its own.
The Harris Hawk can be found in The Americas and is most often associated with Deserts, scrublands, woodlands.
The Harris Hawk feeds on Small mammals, birds, reptiles and is considered a carnivore.
The Harris Hawk is currently listed as Least Concern, with a stable population trend. Main threats include Habitat loss, Electrocution.
The Harris Hawk is usually cooperative groups.
The Harris Hawk is typically diurnal.
The Harris Hawk is resident.
The main threats facing the Harris Hawk include Habitat loss and Electrocution.
The Harris Hawk population trend is currently stable.
Well-known places to look for the Harris Hawk include Sonoran Desert (USA) and The Pantanal (Brazil).
Natural predators of the Harris Hawk include Great horned owls and Coyotes.
Unique among raptors for its 'pack-hunting' behaviour.
The Harris Hawk is part of the Accipitridae family and an Accipitriformes order.
The Harris Hawk weighs about 0.9 kg, stands around 55 cm tall, reaches about 56 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 110 cm.
The Harris Hawk can reach speeds of around 70 km/h.
