Two Harris’s hawks (Parabuteo unicintus) and a black kite (Milvus migrans) have landed into the birds of prey demonstration at Terra Natura Benidorm to show visitors the state of conservation of these birds, their biological characteristics and the problems that threaten the survival of their populations in the wild.

Specifically, the two Harris’s hawks that have arrived weigh around 600 grams, measure about 35 centimetres and still retain their characteristic juvenile plumage as they are less than 1 years old. In the case of the kite, it is a larger female that measures about 60 centimetres and weighs approximately 800 grams. According to the IUCN, the conservation status of both species is not worrying and they are included in CITESII.

The informative demonstrations help to show the birds of prey flight to visitors, disseminate the art of falconry and the flight techniques used by these types of birds. The conservation of these species is essential to favour the biodiversity of ecosystems as they contribute in a natural way to control pests of certain animals.

Harris’s hawks hunt in group and leadership stays in the matriarchal figure. Kites are migratory birds that can travel thousands of kilometres during the migration. Both species are gregarious and sociable diurnal raptors. Harris’s hawks are native from northern and central South America, and kites from Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Birds of prey Recovery

In Terra Natura Benidorm lives birds of prey from recovery centres who cannot be reintroduced into their wild habitats due to physical problems that they have and that would prevent them from surviving in their ecosystems. The park takes care of them and help in their socialization through contact with other birds, showing them to visitors in educational demonstrations to raise awareness about their conservation.