Howard

Harris hawks are the only bird of prey which hunt as part of a team with other Harris hawks (sometimes called a cast).

The ornithologist, Audobon, gave the bird the name Harris Hawk after his friend Colonel Harris!

Harris hawks are raptors known as birds of prey, which means they swoop down and seize their prey using their strong talons to hold and kill it.

In the wild Harris Hawks will live up to 12 years, but in captivity they can live for twice as long.

Often a female Harris Hawk will mate with two males. The nest may be made in cooperation with several other birds. Nests are made in the tops of trees or on the top of a tall yucca or cactus. Two clutches of eggs are laid in a season each of up to 5 eggs, between early March to late June. Incubation is carried out by the female (for 33-36 days). Young are fed by the female as well as both of the males she originally mated with. The young are fully fledged in 7-8 weeks from hatching, though they may stay with their parents for up to 1 year.