Harris's Hawk
The Harris's Hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus, exhibits unique social hunting behavior, often forming packs to capture prey. With striking chestnut and dark plumage, this agile raptor thrives in the deserts of the Americas, crucially balancing local ecosystems by managing rodent populations.
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Decreasing
Population Trend
Characteristics
Parabuteo unicinctus, commonly known as the Harris's Hawk, is found in semi-arid habitats like deserts and savannas in the Americas. Notably social, they hunt cooperatively, a rarity among raptors. Recognizable by their dark plumage with chestnut shoulders and white tail base, they play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations.
Distribution Range of the Harris's Hawk
Parabuteo unicinctus, commonly known as the Harris's Hawk, is native to the southwestern United States, Central America, and much of South America. Its geographical distribution includes states such as Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in the U.S., as well as countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Argentina.
Harris's Hawk's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
The Harris's Hawk primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid regions. It is commonly found in desert climates, scrublands, and open woodlands. These areas are characterized by hot temperatures, low humidity, and sparse rainfall.
Ecological Niche
Harris's Hawks are known for their social hunting behavior, often working in groups to hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They typically perch on cacti and other elevated structures to survey their surroundings. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various environments, from deserts to edges of forests, where they play a role as both predator and scavenger.
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