The only hawk in Iberá that regularly hunts in cooperative family groups. The adult has dark brown plumage with bright reddish-chestnut shoulders and thighs, and a white tail base and undertail coverts. Juveniles are streaked and paler. The bill is hooked and yellow at the base. It measures 46 to 59 cm with a wingspan of 100 to 120 cm. Least Concern, with stable populations.
Behaviour
Its cooperative hunting system is its most fascinating feature: groups of 2 to 6 individuals coordinate the harrying of a prey animal, taking turns in the pursuit to wear it down. It hunts hares, rabbits, large tinamous and tegu lizards. It builds large stick nests in cacti or thorny trees.
How and when to see it
Year round. Most frequently spotted in the grassland and thorn-scrub areas of Portal Mburucuyá and San Nicolás.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where harris's hawk has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where harris's hawk lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiencias con relato local y mirada cultural sobre los esteros.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Travesías a caballo por una red de refugios en el Iberá. Cabalgatas de varios días con…★ 5.0 - Jurassic Plant - Tour Nocturno
El único jardín de plantas carnívoras de Argentina y pionero en Latinoamérica. Tour…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Senderismo guiado. Visita guiada a museos, lugares históricos, capillas y senderos del…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameHarris's Hawk
- Scientific nameParabuteo unicinctus
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
Other species of the Iberá
Discover all the wildlife of the Iberá
More than 250 species with photos, profiles and the gateways where you can see them. Map, providers and trip planner. Free, no download needed.
Open Iberá Experience