Harris’s Hawk

The Harris’s hawk is a medium to large bird of prey and one of the most social of all raptors. They are often found in groups, cooperatively attending nests and hunting together as a pack. When hunting, a group of hawks surround their prey, flush it for another to catch, or take turns chasing it. This hawk’s social nature and the relative ease with humans has made it popular among falconers and in education programs. Their range extends from the desert areas of the South Western United States to Argentina and Brazil. Their lifespan 10 to 12 years in the wild; 20 to 25 years in captivity.

Harris’s hawks are the only bird of prey known to regularly hunt cooperatively in family packs, much like wolves — a rare trait that also makes them one of the most trainable raptors in falconry. Young hawks sometimes perch on top of each other, a behavior called “backstacking,” to gain a better vantage point when good perches are scarce. Family groups often stay together for several years, with older siblings helping raise the next generation. Come see our Harris’s hawk at Plumpton Park Zoo — plan your visit.