Parabuteo unicinctus is one of the most strikingly prominent birds of the Arizona-Sonora Desert. Like this specimen, these birds are extensively used in falconry and is notable for its cooperative family group hunting behavior. John James Audubon gave this hawk its name to honor his financial supporter Edward Harris.
From time to time in the Phoenix area there are postings in the neighborhoods about a missing cats and dogs. I don't suppose those same people who lose their animals notice that we have a pretty healthy population of large raptors here in the desert.
Between the birds of prey and the coyotes, my neighbors have lost many, many pets. Unfortunately, the ones who are new to Arizona, are the hardest ones to convince that they need to keep their small pets inside. That is until one disappears... :(
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