ExploreBirds

Harris's Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus

Harris's Hawks are special birds that like to hunt in groups. They have beautiful brown feathers and a unique white tail. These birds are smart and can even learn to do tricks!

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The Harris's Hawk is a medium-large hawk with a striking dark brown body, reddish-brown shoulder patches (rufous 'leggings'), and a distinctive white tail base and tip. Its underwings also show rufous coloring, making it visually different from many other dark raptors.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyAccipitridaeGenusParabuteo
Harris's Hawk
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Harris's Hawk

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

1

Interesting facts

A group of Harris's Hawks has a special name: a 'cast' of hawks!

Harris's Hawks are the only raptors known to hunt consistently in cooperative family groups.

These smart birds sometimes perch on each other's backs to get a better view.

They often reuse their stick nests year after year, building them bigger each time.

Special abilities

Ability

Teamwork Hunting

Harris's Hawks can hunt in groups because they coordinate movements to flush and capture prey together.

Ability

Relay Pursuit

Harris's Hawks have a unique system of passing prey pursuit between individuals that helps them tire out fast-moving animals.

Ability

Agile Navigation

Harris's Hawks can fly skillfully through dense brush that helps them chase and catch quick prey in challenging habitats.

Measurements & details

Length
45-59 cm
Wingspan
106-120 cm
Weight
0.7-1.2 kg
Lifespan
10-25 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
31-36 days

Diet & Feeding

These skilled hunters feast on a variety of small animals found in their desert and scrubland homes.

Primary Foods

  • Desert Cottontails
  • Jackrabbits
  • Gambel's Quail
  • Ground squirrels
  • Lizards
  • Snakes

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Harris Hawk

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Harris's Hawk?

The easiest way to identify Harris's Hawk is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Harris's Hawk?

45-59 cm

What is Harris's Hawk's wingspan?

106-120 cm

How much does Harris's Hawk weigh?

0.7-1.2 kg

How long does Harris's Hawk live?

10-25 years

How fast can Harris's Hawk move?

60 km/h

What does Harris's Hawk eat?

These skilled hunters feast on a variety of small animals found in their desert and scrubland homes.

Where is Harris's Hawk usually found?

Desert

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

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