Harris’s Hawk

photo by Phil Swanson

Parabuteo unicinctus
L 21″(53 cm) W 46″(117 cm).

Song or calls:
Harsh squeal.

Description: Brown body with chestnut shoulders, wing linings, and thighs. Long black tail with white tip and white uppertail coverts. Juvenile is similar with brown streaking below.

Habitat: Mesquite shrub and desert areas.

Where in Nebraska: Accidental. One record from Douglas County, Nebraska in 1922.

Field Notes: Sometimes females will have two mates.

Fun Facts: Will build platform nests in saguaro cacti. Harris’s Hawks nest in social groups from one adult pair up to seven individuals containing adults and immaure hawks.

American Goldfinch - photo by Phil Swanson female American Goldfinch - photo by Phil Swanson
(click image for larger view)