Harris's Hawk

This strikingly patterned southwestern hawk is more sociable than most birds of prey. It is often seen in groups of three or more, the birds perching close together on poles or giant cactus. It may seem lethargic or tame when perched, allowing close approach; when hunting, however, it is dashing and powerful, pursuing prey in agile flight even through dense brush. Two or more Harris's Hawks may hunt cooperatively, working together to chase prey into the open. These birds are one of only two known raptor species that hunt as a group. This cooperative hunting style works much like those of mammals, where some members of the group flush out the prey and chase it towards the other hunters in the group. Harris' hawks have excellent vision, possibly 8 times greater than human vision. These hawks are found in semiarid habitats such as mesquite and saguaro deserts as well as canyons, chaparrals and scrubland. They are widely distributed from much of the US-Mexico border area, south into Mexico and Central America, and dry habitats of South America. Harris's hawks are carnivores and prey on rabbits, rodents, other birds and lizards. Because these birds build their nests high off the ground in saguaro cactus or trees it is difficult for many predators to reach them. They will also use group members to help protect the nest from predators by giving alarm calls or harassing any animals who threatens their nest. Predators can include great horned owls, coyotes, common ravens, and bobcats. They build nests made of sticks, dried weeds, grasses, and twigs in cacti, trees, bushes or man-made structures. The 2-4 eggs will be incubated for 32-26 days. The Harris' hawk is generally 18-24 inches in body length, has a wingspan of 3-4 feet and weighs 1.5-2.5 pounds. Female hawks are larger than the males.
Category:Hawks
Category:Birds
Category:Birds of Prey
Category:Predators
Category:Wildlife