Harris's Hawk

Overview
Harris's Hawk: Large hawk, dark brown head, neck, back, belly and rust-brown shoulders, underwing coverts and flanks. Tail is dark brown to almost black with white base and terminal band. Undertail coverts are white. Legs and feet are yellow. Flies close to ground or soars on thermals and updrafts.

Range and Habitat
Harris's Hawk: Resident from southwestern U.S. to southern Chile, central Argentina, and Paraguay. Inhabits lowland areas, sparse woodlands, and semi-desert; prefers a moderate amount of taller vegetation. Also frequents watercourses and protected canyons.

INTERESTING FACTS
The Harris's Hawk nests in social units that vary from an adult pair to as many as seven individuals, including both adults and immatures. Cooperative hunting groups are more successful at capturing prey than individuals hunting alone. Groups of five are the most successful. John James Audubon gave this bird its English name in honor of his ornithological companion, financial supporter, and friend Edward Harris. A group of hawks has many collective nouns, including a "boil", "knot", "spiraling", "stream", and "tower" of hawks.