HARRIS' HAWK
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Parabuteo unicinctus
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Range:
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Southwestern United States (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico), Mexico |
 Medium sized, dark sooty brown hawk with chestnut colored shoulders, underwing linings and thighs, with a boldly marked black and white tail set off by a white rump and white tail coverts
Rather tame, perches conspicuously near roads on utility poles, fence posts and trees; flights are very low to the ground for sneak attacks; one of the few social birds of prey: hunt in groups of 4-5 and share kill. Stacking: stack on each other's shoulders atop a cactus for better view of prey
Song is loud, harsh, nasal screams of "jaaahrr." Predators are other raptors, canines and felines.
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| Habitat: |
Desert |
| Diet: |
Variety of small rodents, rabbits, ducks, herons, smaller birds, and reptiles |
| Status: |
Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Approximate Dimensions of Adult: |
Adults can have a wingspan of up to 3.6 feet in width in the U.S. |
| Lifespan: |
14 years. |
| Reproduction & Offspring: |
Polyandrous, solitary nester; both sexes incubate eggs for 33-36 days, young are fed by both sexes for 40-49 days when they fledge; often 2 broods per year |
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