English and Scientific names:

Harris Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)

Number of individuals: 

One adult

Locality: LOUISIANA: 

Calcasieu

Specific Locality:

Woodlands on the corner of Rt. 14 and Fruge Road

Date(s) when observed:

12/18/2006

Time(s) of day when observed:  

4:00 pm

 

Reporting observer and address:

James Reitter

Lafayette, LA

Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):

James Beck

Other observers who independently identified the bird(s)

Paul Conover, Steve Cardiff, Donna Dittman, Gay Gomez

Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

Overcast skies; bird sat with back to the road

Optical equipment: 

Eagle Optics Explorer binocular (8X42)

Distance to bird(s): 

30 yards

Duration of observation:

15 minutes

Habitat: 

Dry, sparse woodland thicket off the roadside

Behavior of bird: 

The hawk was sitting with its back to me. It would occasionally preen.

Description:

Dark chocoloate brown hawk with rusty streak on outer wing/shoulder. White band at the end of the tail. Appeared smaller than redtail hawk. Richer, more consistent coloration, no white in the body/wings.

Voice:

Did not call.

Similar species:

Redtail Hawk. Rich brown color had no variation, aside from the identifying rusty streaks on shoulders. Bold white stripe at end of tail.

Photographs or tape recordings obtained?

James Beck

Previous experience with this species: 

Familiar from numerous sightings in southwestern Texas.

Identification aids:

at time of observation:
 National Geographic 4th Edition

This description is written from: 

Memory

Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain: 

 

Yes

Reporter: 

12/19/2006; 7:43 pm

Date and time: 

yes