HARRIS HAWKS

HARRIS HAWK IN FLIGHT

HARRIS HAWK DURING A DEMONSTRATION AT THE DESERT MUSEUM

PAIR OF HARRIS HAWKS

The Harris Hawk is a social raptor that inhabits the southern portion of Arizona and New Mexico. These reddish-brown birds can grow up to 23 inches tall and have a wingspan of 47 inches. The female Harris Hawk is the larger and more dominant of the species and therefore controls the family group. If there are other females in the group they will be submissive to the alpha female but they too will dominate the males including the alpha male.
These beautiful birds of prey live in family groups of three or more and rely on each other while hunting. Two or more of the birds will take turns scouting until the prey is found and killed. The birds then share in the meal. Pack rats, gophers, rabbits are on the menu along with domestic pets such as cats and small dogs.
The nests of the hawks can sometimes be found on top telephone poles or in mesquite trees with two or more birds keeping watch over the eggs and protecting them from predators such as eagles or great horned owls.
Because of the easygoing nature of the birds when they interact with humans they are often used to rid cities of pigeons and help control the rodent population.