Harris's hawk

Harris's hawk IUCN Status

Description

​The Harris's hawk can be described as an eclectic generalist and a very good hunter. It mainly hunts medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, but may occasionally hunt birds (penelopids), lizards and fish. Prey is often spotted from a high vantage point before swooping down on it. The sociability of this bird of prey is unique in the world of hunting birds of prey. Group hunting, often used when prey is scarce, allows larger prey to be attacked. Groups of up to six individuals have been observed hunting, with cases of sub-groups being formed. The hunting strategy consists of landing and circling to scare the prey and force it out of its hiding place. Another buzzard captures the animal and hides it under its wings from the other birds, as if under a shield.

Conservation

​This species is not threatened or endangered; it is even common in certain habitats. A small population has been reintroduced in California.

Habitat loss and human disturbance are the main causes of their decline. Disturbances are sometimes linked to the use of strychnine (southern Argentina). Electrocution is responsible for the loss of half the population, because these birds tend to gather on electrical transformers, where they are often electrocuted.