Harris’s Hawk

Harris’s Hawks entered mainstream American falconry in the 1970s and 1980s, when pioneering falconers in the American Southwest recognized their extraordinary potential. Unlike solitary raptors, these hawks evolved to hunt in cooperative family groups in the Sonoran Desert, a trait that translates remarkably well to the falconry partnership. Their popularity exploded as word spread about their trainability and social nature. Today they are among the most commonly flown hawks worldwide, particularly popular in Europe where captive-bred birds dominate. Their unique pack-hunting instinct makes them unlike any other raptor in the falconer’s repertoire.

What Makes Harris’s Hawks Special

Harris’s Hawks are unique among raptors. In the wild, they live and hunt in family groups of 2-7 birds, using sophisticated cooperative strategies to pursue prey. This social nature translates directly to falconry:

Temperament

If Red-tails are “businesslike,” Harris’s Hawks are more like partners. They seem to actively enjoy the hunting relationship rather than merely tolerating it. Many falconers describe them as “dog-like” in their attachment to their handlers.

This doesn’t mean they’re cuddly pets—they’re still wild predators. But they show a level of engagement and apparent affection that’s unusual in raptors. They’ll often fly to check on their falconer during a hunt, something most species rarely do.

Their social nature also means they handle situations that stress other raptors relatively well: crowds, dogs, vehicles, novel environments. This makes them popular for educational programs as well as hunting.

Hunting Style

Harris’s Hawks are aggressive, persistent hunters willing to pursue quarry into cover that would stop other buteos. Their hunting style is described as “ground-pounding”—they’ll follow quarry into brush, flip over obstacles, and work as a team to flush and catch game.

Solo Hunting

A single Harris’s is an effective hunter, using a combination of soaring, perch-hunting, and direct pursuit. They’re particularly good at following quarry that goes to ground and waiting it out.

Cast Hunting (Multiple Birds)

One of falconry’s great pleasures is flying a “cast” (pair) or group of Harris’s Hawks. They’ll coordinate naturally—one flushing while others wait to cut off escape routes. Success rates increase dramatically with multiple birds.

A hunt day with a Harris’s Hawk is an interactive, communicative experience. The hawk typically rides the fist as the falconer walks brushy desert or farmland edges. When released, it takes a commanding perch and watches the falconer intently, ready to respond to flushed quarry. What sets Harris’s Hawks apart is their willingness to follow quarry into thick cover, crashing through brush that would stop other buteos. When flying a cast of two or three birds, the coordination is mesmerizing—one hawk flushes while others cut off escape routes, a hunting strategy perfected over millennia of social evolution.

Quarry

Harris’s Hawks are perhaps the most versatile hunting hawks. They’ll take ground game and feathered quarry with equal enthusiasm. A cast of Harris’s can even take on jackrabbits that would be dangerous for a single bird.

Acquisition

Unlike Red-tails, wild Harris’s Hawks have limited range in the US (mainly Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas). Most falconers acquire captive-bred birds.

Training Considerations

Harris’s Hawks are generally easier to train than their reputation for being “intermediate” suggests. Their social nature means they want to work with you. However, there are some unique considerations:

• Imprints require careful socialization: An imprinted Harris’s can become aggressive if not properly raised
• They can become “sticky”: Some birds become so attached they won’t range out to hunt
• Weight windows can be tight: Despite being forgiving, each bird has its optimal range
• They need mental stimulation: Bored Harris’s can develop behavioral issues

Climate Considerations

Harris’s Hawks are native to desert and semi-arid environments. They handle heat well but can struggle in extreme cold. Northern falconers need to:

• Provide heated housing in winter
• Limit hunting in very cold weather
• Watch for frostbite on feet
• Consider whether the species is appropriate for their climate

Harris’s Hawks thrive on routine and social interaction, making daily care a bonding experience. Morning begins with weighing and a visual health check, paying special attention to feet and feather condition. These hawks benefit from regular time on the fist or weathering yard, where they can observe their surroundings and interact with the falconer. Feeding portions are carefully calculated based on the next day’s plans—slightly less before a hunt day, maintenance rations on rest days. Their social nature means they tolerate handling well, but they also need mental enrichment to prevent boredom-related behavioral issues in the mews.

The Bottom Line

Harris’s Hawks have earned their popularity. They’re forgiving enough for advancing falconers to learn on, yet capable enough that experts fly them their entire careers. The social bond they form is unlike anything else in falconry.

If you’re completing your apprenticeship with a Red-tail and thinking about your next bird, a Harris’s Hawk is an excellent choice. Just be prepared for the wait—good birds from good breeders are in high demand.