OBSERVATIONS ON THE COMPARATIVE BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY OF HARRIS HAWK IN CENTRAL CHILE

JIMENEZ, JE; JAKSIC, FM

OBSERVATIONS ON THE COMPARATIVE BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY OF HARRIS HAWK IN CENTRAL CHILE

Date

1993

Authors

JIMENEZ, JE

JAKSIC, FM

Abstract

Throughout one year we observed the behavioral ecology of Harris' Hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus) in central Chile. The hawks' activity period lacked diel or annual variation. Their most common flight mode was soaring in thermals and wind updrafts, rarely using flapping flight, and never hovering. Harris' Hawks appeared to select physiographic features that favored the presence of updrafts, particularly north- and west-facing slopes and ridgetops, but were also commonly seen flying over ravines (where they perched frequently). Prey were primarily small- and medium-sized mammals, and secondarily medium-sized birds. Although not aggressive, Harris' Hawks were nonetheless attacked by two other sympatric raptors, Black-chested Eagles (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) and Red-backed Hawks (Buteo polyosoma). These three species, which were studied over the same period and with the same techniques, were similar in activity and behavior, although Harris' Hawks were slightly more different than the latter were between themselves.