"Truman" - a Harris's Hawk
This mature female Harris' hawk was found in Arizona. She had been
electrocuted and lost her right wing tip, impairing her ability to fly and preventing her from being released back into the wild.
Although not native to Kansas, we use this hawk to teach children teamwork. "Truman" became part of OWL's education team in 1995.
Fun Facts
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Harris' hawks are communal -- hunting in groups or clans to maximize the ability for all to eat. It is believed that this social behavior allows the birds to thrive in such a harsh environment.
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Found in the Southwestern United States.
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Favorite prey consists of other birds.
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Named after Edward Harris, friend of John James Audubon. Other names include the chestnut-thighed buzzard and the Harris' buzzard
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Their call is a shrill scream.
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Posseses both binocular and monocular vision.
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Eggs are incubated by both parents for approximately 33-36 days.
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Young fledge at about 54-57 days.
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Average life span is approximately 20 years in the wild.
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Want even more info? Check out the Audobon Society's profile of the Harris's Hawk (a.k.a. Harris's Buzzard)