The Harris's hawk, known scientifically as Parabuteo unicinctus, is a medium-large bird of prey with a striking appearance. It is intermediate in size between a peregrine falcon and a red-tailed hawk, with a length ranging from 46 to 59 cm and a wingspan of approximately 103 to 120 cm. The plumage is predominantly dark brown, complemented by reddish shoulders and thighs. The tail feathers are distinctive, with a white base and tip, and the legs are long and yellow, as is the cere.
Adult Harris's hawks can be identified by their chestnut shoulders, wing linings, and thighs, along with their dark brown plumage. The white at the base and tip of the tail is a key feature. Females are roughly 35% larger than males, a common trait known as sexual dimorphism. The harsh vocalizations of this species are also a notable characteristic for identification.
Juvenile Harris's hawks are lighter in color, with buff streaking, and may initially appear quite different from adults. However, the chestnut plumage remains a consistent identifier. When in flight, the undersides of the juveniles' wings display buff coloring with brown streaking.
