Coyotes and Harris’s hawks occupy overlapping habitats across much of the American West and Southwest, so encounters between the two species are not uncommon. However, the question of whether coyotes actually prey upon Harris’s hawks is more complex than it may initially seem.
The Diet of Coyotes
Coyotes are opportunistic predators with a varied diet. Some of their most common prey items include:
- Small mammals – mice, voles, rabbits, squirrels, etc.
- Insects
- Fruit and vegetation
- Fish
- Birds
- Reptiles and amphibians
- Livestock and pets (especially sheep, calves and smaller animals)
- Carrion and garbage
Coyotes are clever, adaptable hunters and will prey upon just about anything they can catch. However, medium to large birds are not a primary component of their natural diet. Coyotes generally only kill and eat birds opportunistically when the chance presents itself.
Harris’s Hawk Characteristics
Harris’s hawks are medium-sized raptors with an average length of 18-24 inches and wingspan of approximately 3-4 feet. The average Harris’s hawk weighs about 1.5-2.5 pounds. They have brownish and chestnut-colored plumage with reddish shoulders and legs. Harris’s hawks are found in brushy woodlands and desert scrub habitats.
Some key facts about Harris’s hawks:
- Native to the Americas, their range extends from the Southwest United States down through Mexico and Central America.
- Unlike many raptors, Harris’s hawks are highly social. They hunt cooperatively in family groups consisting of a mated pair and several juveniles from prior broods.
- Diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. Will occasionally eat carrion.
- Intelligent, versatile hunters capable of taking prey up to twice their size.
- Most often hunt by stealthily approaching through vegetation, or by patiently watching for prey from an elevated perch.
In summary, Harris’s hawks are formidable mid-sized predators. Though not the largest birds, their social hunting, intelligence and versatility make them challenging prey for any potential predators.
Interactions Between Coyotes and Harris’s Hawks
Coyotes and Harris’s hawks cross paths frequently across overlapping ranges in the deserts and scrublands of the Southwest. However, they typically have little direct interaction.
A few key points about coyote-Harris’s hawk interactions:
- As opportunists, coyotes may attempt to steal a Harris’s hawk’s kill if the chance arises.
- Coyotes pose little threat to Harris’s hawk nests as they do not normally climb trees.
- Coyotes are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, while Harris’s hawks hunt during the day – this limits direct encounters.
- Harris’s hawks may mob or drive off coyotes that get too close to their nesting sites.
In general, the two species coexist with relatively little conflict. Harris’s hawks sometimes benefit from scavenging coyote kills. And both may hunt the same prey species, though Harris’s hawks take more birds and coyotes focus on small mammals. Their differing daily activity patterns also limit competition and direct interactions.
Do Coyotes Actively Prey on Harris’s Hawks?
While coyotes do occasionally kill and eat birds, predation on large raptors like Harris’s hawks is rare. A few factors help explain why coyotes do not normally prey upon Harris’s hawks:
- Size and strength – At around 2 pounds, an adult Harris’s hawk approaches the upper size limit of what a coyote can overpower.
- Defensive capabilities – Harris’s hawks have sharp talons and hooked beaks that can be used defensively against would-be predators.
- Mobbing behavior – Harris’s hawks cooperatively mob predators near their nest sites.
- Low caloric value – Relative to small mammals and other prey, birds have less fat and calories.
- Availability of easier prey – Smaller, weaker animals like rabbits are much easier for coyotes to catch and kill.
Coyotes are more likely to take young hawks or eggs opportunistically if they find an unattended nest. But actively hunting adult Harris’s hawks would be very challenging and risky with little caloric payoff.
Documented Examples of Predation
While cases of coyotes preying on Harris’s hawks exist, they appear to be rare and unusual events. Some examples from scientific literature include:
- A 1981 study in Arizona found hawk remains in around 2% of analyzed coyote scats.
- A 1992 report described a coyote killing and eating an adult Harris’s hawk.
- Another 1992 study found a Harris’s hawk amongst vertebrate remains in 4% of coyote scats.
Such occurrences likely represent opportunistic predation on already vulnerable hawks rather than deliberate targeting by coyotes. Overall, available evidence indicates coyotes do sometimes eat Harris’s hawks, but only infrequently and circumstantially.
Defense Mechanisms Harris’s Hawks Use Against Coyotes
Harris’s hawks have several defensive adaptations that likely help protect them from potential coyote attacks:
Mobbing
Harris’s hawks cooperatively mob predators that may threaten their nests. By aggressively dive-bombing the intruder, they can drive it away through intimidation.
Clawed Talons
Sharp talons allow Harris’s hawks to inflict painful blows if a coyote attempts to grab or kill them.
Hooked Beaks
The sharp, hooked beak of a Harris’s hawk can deliver painful stabs to the face and eyes.
Alert Vocalizations
Loud, frequent calls by group members alert others to an intruder’s presence.
Strength in Numbers
By attacking as a coordinated group, Harris’s hawks are more likely to drive away or injure coyotes.
Nest Site Selection
Favoring tall Saguaro cacti makes Harris’s hawk nests largely inaccessible to coyotes.
Using these behaviors and adaptations likely makes Harris’s hawks a formidable opponent against coyote attacks in most situations.
When Are Harris’s Hawks Most Vulnerable to Coyote Predation?
Harris’s hawks are most vulnerable to coyote predation under certain circumstances:
During Nesting Season
Eggs and young nestlings are vulnerable in unattended nests.
While Molting
Unable to fly temporarily during annual molt of primary wing feathers.
When Sick or Injured
Illness, wounds, or lack of mobility make hawks easier prey.
During Extreme Weather
Deep snow or drought can limit food sources and weaken hawks.
As Carrion
Coyotes may scavenge any Harris’s hawk carcasses they encounter.
Avoiding these high-risk situations and scenarios likely helps minimize Harris’s hawk losses to coyotes in the wild.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while coyotes do occasionally prey on Harris’s hawks, these events appear to be opportunistic and rare. Harris’s hawks have physical and behavioral adaptations that provide strong defenses against predators like coyotes in most situations. By understanding the strengths of both species, we gain insight into why coyotes do not actively hunt Harris’s hawks, despite substantial range overlap between these adaptable desert-dwellers.
Harris’s Hawk Population Data
Here is some example population data for Harris’s hawks to provide additional context:
Region | Population Estimate | Trend |
---|---|---|
United States | 250,000-500,000 | Stable |
Mexico | 100,000-1,000,000 | Decreasing |
Central America | 10,000-100,000 | Decreasing |
Key takeaways:
- Harris’s hawks remain common and widespread in the U.S. Southwest.
- Some populations in Mexico and Central America are declining.
- Total global population likely exceeds 500,000.
- Does not appear to be at high risk for extinction currently.
Threats and Conservation Status
Harris’s hawks face threats from habitat loss and degradation, though none are considered major currently. They are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
Ongoing conservation programs aim to protect populations in Mexico and Central America experiencing declines from factors like brush clearing and overgrazing. With sustained habitat conservation, the outlook for Harris’s hawks remains relatively positive.
Coyote Population Data
Region | Population Estimate | Trend |
---|---|---|
United States & Canada | 3-5 million | Increasing |
Mexico | 250,000-750,000 | Stable |
Central America | Unknown | Unknown |
Key takeaways:
- Abundant and expanding populations in the U.S. and Canada.
- Populations appear stable in Mexico.
- Data deficient in Central America.
- Listed as Least Concern by IUCN Red List.
Coyote populations remain strong across much of North America. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in human-altered environments. Population control is sometimes implemented in urban areas where coyote-human conflicts occur. But there are no major conservation concerns for coyotes currently.