
Harris Hawk

by Flees Photos
Title
Harris Hawk
Artist
Flees Photos
Medium
Photograph - Home Decor And Giclee Wall Art By Chris Flees
Description
This is an image of a Harris Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus). The Harris Hawk can be found in the Southwest United States, Chile, and Argentina. The can also be found in European countries that falconry is or was very popular.
From my observations of this this bird they are only relatively aggressive raptor birds. They are very intelligent and are easily trained.
facts about Harris Hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus):
Range and Habitat: Harris Hawks are native to the Americas, specifically the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. They inhabit various habitats, including deserts, grasslands, scrublands, and open woodlands.
Appearance: Harris Hawks have a distinctive appearance. They have a medium-sized body with a wingspan of around 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) and a length of approximately 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 centimeters). They have a dark brown plumage, a white belly with reddish-brown streaks, and a white patch on their rump. Their legs are yellow and their beaks are black and hooked.
Social Behavior: Harris Hawks are highly social birds and are known for their cooperative hunting behavior. They often hunt in family groups or packs, with several individuals working together to capture prey. This cooperative hunting strategy is unique among raptors and makes them highly effective hunters.
Hunting and Diet: Harris Hawks are versatile hunters with a varied diet. They primarily feed on small to medium-sized prey, such as rabbits, hares, squirrels, rodents, birds, lizards, and snakes. They use a combination of aerial hunting and ground stalking to capture their prey. The group will often strategize and work together to corner or flush out prey.
Vocalizations: Harris Hawks are vocal birds and have a wide range of calls. They use different vocalizations to communicate with other members of their group during hunting, territorial defense, and general interactions. Their calls can include short, sharp screams, whistles, and various other vocalizations.
Breeding Behavior: Harris Hawks form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They construct nests on trees or cacti, often reusing old nests or building new ones. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and raising the young. The female typically lays 2 to 4 eggs, and the chicks hatch after about a month of incubation. The chicks fledge and become independent at around 6 to 7 weeks of age.
Adaptability: Harris Hawks are highly adaptable birds and can tolerate a range of habitats and environmental conditions. They have been known to adapt to human-altered landscapes, including urban areas and agricultural fields. This adaptability has contributed to their success and widespread distribution.
Conservation Status: Harris Hawks are not considered globally threatened and are listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List. However, localized populations may face threats from habitat loss, persecution, and collision with vehicles or power lines. They are protected by law in many countries and are also popular birds in falconry.
Harris Hawks are fascinating birds known for their cooperative hunting behavior and adaptability. Their social nature, hunting strategies, and adaptability make them a popular subject of study and observation.
Uploaded
September 29th, 2014
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