In Britain the Harris' Hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus, and the red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis, have a very strong following indeed; and just why these two birds are so popular is not difficult to fathom. Both are very capable hunting hawks and at the same time are steady and reliable.
The Harris' in particular has become very popular and has influenced British Falconry more than any other introduced species. What makes the Harris' so popular is its nature. This accommodating raptor is truly likeable. Because of this, it tends to be a firm favorite of the no-so-experienced falconer. In fact, I suspect that the Harris' has allowed a good many people to practice falconry who would never have coped with a goshawk (or perhaps even a red-tail). Unfortunately, as the Parabuteo seems prepared to do anything short of jump through a hoop for its human partner, it attracts a great many pseudofalconers. This is a pity, for the Harris' deserves to be taken seriously, and really belongs in the hands of a dedicated hunter.
Although the Harris' and red-tail are capable of taking a variety of quarries, including game birds under the right conditions, in Britain they are very much associated with rabbit hawking. As they will perform against rabbits under similar conditions to the goshawk, comparisons are almost unavoidable. Like the gos, both of these broadwings (a term I use loosely for convenience) will fly and hunt in woodland. However, it must be said that under really tight conditions, the gos is more effective. This is true if some flights from the fist are required. When pursuing quarry, a hunting goshawk will cut its way through dense woodland with amazing dexterity. . . |
