Gilly
Harris' Hawk Ambassador
Male
2023 / Fledgling
Gunshot wound
About Gilly
Gilly arrived as a fledgling with a severe fracture to her right humerus. Radiographs confirmed she had been shot. Surgery was performed to remove the pellet and set the fracture. Once healed, the elbow had a severe loss of range of motion, making flight impossible. Due to her inability to fly, Gilly is non-releasable and has become a welcome addition to the team.
Description
Also known as the "Wolves of the Sky", Harris’s hawks can be found in the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas) through Central America and into the drier parts of South America. In Arizona, its range typically extends only as far north as Wickenburg. The Harris’ hawk is one of only two hawks known to hunt in a cooperative group manner (The Galapagos hawk is the other). It displays one of the most advanced group hunting tactics among birds.
Life Span
The average life expectancy of the Harris’ hawk has been estimated to be up to 12 years in the wild and twice as long in captivity.
Prey / Food
The majority of its prey consists of mammals such as cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, rats, ground squirrels, gophers. Their diet is also supplemented by birds, primarily Gambel’s quail, and reptiles.
Babies / Food
Nests of sticks and other materials are built in or on top of solid structures such as trees, saguaros, electric or telephone poles. The female usually lays 3 to 4 eggs and incubation lasts between 31 and 36 days. The young fledge in about 40 days.
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