BUTEOS
Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
- Genus Parabuteo
- Medium-sized,dark colored raptor that looks like a miniature golden eagle.
- Native to the Southwest U.S., Mexico, and Central American.
- Relatively new to falconry.
- Extremely popular falconry bird due to its trainability, hunting versatility, and excellent disposition.
- Most Harris’ Hawks used in falconry are from captive bred parents.
- Harris’ Hawks are unique in that they are quite social, living in family groups and hunting in packs in the wild . As a result, some falconers are able to hunt with these birds in socialized groups.
- In flight and hunting style, Harris’ Hawks exhibit characteristics of both the buteos and accipiters.
- Will hunt a large variety of mammals and birds.
- In northern climates, Harris’ are suceptible to frostbite and must be protected from cold temperatures.
Click for more information from the Patuxent Bird Identification Infocenter