Fauna
Bird

Harris's Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus

Also known as Bay-Winged Hawk, Dusky Hawk, Peuco

Harris's hawks are unique among raptors for hunting in cooperative family groups, earning them the nickname wolves of the air. Working in small packs, they take turns flushing cottontails and jackrabbits from dense brush or perching in stacks atop tall saguaro cacti. Adults feature striking dark brown plumage contrasted by chestnut-red shoulders and thighs, finished with a broad white tail tip.

SocialPredatoryDesert
Harris's Hawk reference1 / 7
Alan Vernon / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDesert Cottontail, Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Gambel's Quail
Predators
  • Great Horned Owl
  • Coyote
  • Golden Eagle
ThreatsElectrocution on power lines, habitat loss
HabitatsDeserts, arid scrublands, savannahs, semi-open country
Life span10–15 years in wild, up to 30 years in captivity
Classification
  1. OrderAccipitriformes
  2. FamilyAccipitridae
  3. GenusParabuteo
  4. SpeciesParabuteo unicinctus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Sharp talons and beak can cause injury if handled; observe from a safe distance.
Why it is dangerous
Equipped with powerful talons and a sharp hooked beak capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds or lacerations.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Identified by chestnut-red shoulders and thighs contrasting with a dark brown body and white-banded tail.
What to do
Observe from a distance and avoid approaching nests or grounded birds without rehabilitation expertise.
Responsible observation
  • Look High: Scan tall cacti and utility poles where family groups often perch together.
  • Observe Socially: Watch for cooperative hunting tactics where birds take turns driving prey.
  • Keep Distance: Give active nests plenty of space to avoid disturbing breeding pairs.
Related species
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Mystic Meadows

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