- Parabuteo unicinctus
Identification
Length 46-76cm (18-30"), WS 107cm (42"), Wt. 900gm (2lb). Blackish brown plumage with chestnut forewings (above and below) and thighs. The end of the tail and the rump are white, with distinctive black band between. Females are typically 10% larger than males. Juveniles are similar in appearance, but have streaking common in this family.
Distribution
Sonoran desert of the southwest USA and Mexico, Baja Penisula, Gulf Coast from central coastline of Texas southward through Mexico to Chile and Argentina.
Taxonomy
There are three subspecies: P. u. superior: Baja California, Arizona, Sonora, and Sinaloa (contested); P. u. harrisi - Texas, eastern Mexico, Central America; and P. u. unicinctus -South America.
Habitat
Sparse woodland and semi-desert, as well as marshes.
Behaviour
An unusual behavior in its family is team hunting; birds will cooperate in taking prey, often taking perches in what seems like a strategic manner to confuse and herd its prey before one of the group strikes. This allows it to take larger prey such as jackrabbits. Teams can comprise 2 to 6 individuals. Other prey includes rodents, lizards, and birds. It nests in a tree and lays 2–4 eggs, incubated for 28 days to hatching. This is a popular bird in the sport of falconry, as it is easily tamed and trained.
