Harris Parabuteo unicinctus

Class: Aves Order: Falconiformes Family: Characteristics: As their Spanish name aguililla rojinegra (little red & black of prey) alludes to, the Harris Hawk’s flight feathers, tail feathers, dorsal and undercarriage are composed of a very dark brown color while their wings and legs are covered in a rusty red color. Unlike the Spanish name suggests, the Harris Hawk is considered a hawk. Their Latin name refers to their vulture-like wide, thick wings and the belt of white plumage at the base and the end of their tails.

Behavior: Harris are the most social of the North American raptors, forming non-migratory, territorial groups composed of 2 to 7 (most commonly 4) individuals (All About ). With larger groups, there is usually an alpha female that is dominant over all the other group members including the alpha male. There is a small possibility of a subordinate breeding alpha female (Bednarz 1986, Dawson and Mannan 1991). Harris Hawk groups often hunt together. During the hunt, it has been observed that the hawks will communicate with one another via twitching the white markings on the tail (Woburn Safari Park). Hunting affords them a decrease in energy expenditure, the ability to successfully scare out and capture prey from hiding places and the ability to hunt larger prey than themselves (Bednarz 1988, Coulson and Coulson 2013).

Reproduction: The alpha female and male are most often the only breeders of the group. Females frequently have clutches during the late Spring/early summer months, but can have up to three clutches per year. The size of the clutch is usually around four. Beta males are not allowed to breed. Nonbreeding group members have been known to have some role in raising the young, but aren’t common (Bednarz 1986). Polyandry has been observed in many regions, but are more common in areas with a high male to female ratio. A trio is often formed where two males breed with one female. These two male hawks will then help in the raising of the young (Mader 1979). Fledging occurs around 40 days but won’t leave the nest until two to three months after. Groups of Harris Hawks will defend nests from predators with the alpha male leading the charge and the alpha female standing guard over the nest (Bednarz 1986, Dawson and Mannan 1991).

Diet: Wild: Rodents, rabbits, lizards and other birds. Zoo: crickets, chicks, mice, rat, rabbit and special diet.

Conservation: Populations are declining but not at an alarming rate.

FYI: Other Spanish names include Ladrón de gallinas (Chicken thief) and Garra del diablo (devil’s claw). The mom will often use her own body to shade the young (Dawson and Mannan 1991 & National geographic). Harris hawks may do something called back-stacking, allowing for a quiet, higher point of view (The Peregrine Fund).