Saturday four Harris’s Hawks flew in and out of my backyard. I enjoyed getting their photos, but unfortunately never captured them taking off. They are so dramatic in flight, but I’m too slow with the camera.
I noticed they were panting! I’ve never see a bird pant before. You’ll notice on several of these pictures that their tongues are hanging out! Maybe they cool off just like dogs do through their tongues.
They are such majestic, beautiful birds. And no little birds were bothered during their recent visit.
Along with the top photo, this hawk was panting.
This guy looks like he’s posing for me!
Another panting hawk!
This was the last guy left in my yard. Then he flew on the neighbor’s chimney. Unfortunately, I missed the flight from our fence to the roof.
I had to look up if the Harris’s Hawks were actually panting — or if it was some other type of behavior. Here’s what I found:
Yes, Harris’s hawks do pant. Panting is a common avian behavior used to regulate body temperature, especially in hot weather or after exertion. Harris’s hawks, like other birds, rely on panting to cool down when they overheat, according to the National Audubon Society.
There you have it. Harris’s Hawks do pant when they get hot. We’ve had temperatures hovering around 110 degrees. Yes, I’d be panting too if I was out of our AC.
Have you heard of birds panting before?
What other animals do you suppose pant when they’re hot?
I’ve never heard of birds panting, but it totally makes sense
I was surprised to watch the hawks panting, but it was 110 degrees outside. They are also huge creatures!
This is something new for me. Great shots
Thank you! The hawks looked hot and tired when they stopped by.
Yes, I could guess from their open beaks.
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great bird fact EA! I had no idea but then it still rarely gets that hot in WA 🙂 I do know that all the birds here disappear into the trees during the heat of the day so maybe they are panting among the leaves where no one can see them 😉
It was the hottest day I’ve experienced in Arizona when I saw the hawks panting. I also read that because they hunt in packs, they fly great distances and don’t stop. When they finally rest, they pant. Our birds are in trees during the heat, too.
These are fabulous photos!
And yes, I’ve often seen birds pant in the heat. Makes me run out and refill the bird bath with cool water…
I’ve been filling the bird bath, too. I have to let the hose run, or the water is hot!
Wow – that is amazing, Elizabeth. I’ve never seen a bird pant. Your pictures are spectacular and capture it so well. Thanks for the interesting post!
Thanks so much, Wynne. I was so excited to get these photos and learn something new.
Wow, this is so cool. I love that you got a picture of them panting! I have a love-hate relationship with hawks. Spiritually, they’re pretty amazing — symbols of guidance and protection. I see them in the sky all the time here. But since they’re predators, I’m always on alert when I let the dogs outside.
I agree with you about a love-hate relationship with hawks. We were told to never let our cat outside when we moved here. Hawks and other predators all around.
I used not to mind about owls and I liked gazing at them at close range since they are not easily scared, but when one carried away our puppy, I felt horrible and I am always weary when I see them around. There’s one, though, that is ever patched up a tree in my farm, returns same branch everyday.
Oh no! I’m so sorry! 😘
That is terrifying!
I have had chickens or been around them for most of my life and they always pant when the weather is hot. They hold their wings out to the side loosely to let fresh air blow through. This has been a rough summer for birds.
I didn’t know chickens pant too. I have seen doves and my cardinal with their wings outstretched.
Yes, chicken do pant. I have been around them all my life.
I think many birds must pant when they are overheated.
Yes, because it is in the dry and hot season or in heated chicken pens that I have seen them panting or when cocks fight.
We had our hottest day when they stopped by in our yard. It was more than 110 degrees Farenheit.
I can’t imagine being without chickens.
I never knew, but it seems logical.
Exactly! When I was looking at photos on Adobe Bridge, I noticed the tongues. Then I had to google it.
I don’t like hawks, they keep carrying away my young geese at the farm. One of did it even this evening and left me as helpless as the mother goose. We’re down from ten that were hatched to five this evening.
Thank you for sharing, though.
Wow. That’s scary. I wouldn’t like hawks either if I was losing young geese or pets.
They are amazing birds, though, speed and strength. They fly away with prey almost or more than their weight.
They are beautiful and majestic. You’re right about speed and strength.
Who’s the biggest poser Red or the Hawk? Ha, ha. They both love their attention.
Red. The hawks fly away as soon as they spot me. Red says, “Did you see this angle? Did you miss this side?”
That’s hilarious! Red takes Madison Avenue by storm! Ha ha.
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Interesting information shared.
These are such awesome, clear shots of the hawks! It’s great to see such detail. Temperature regulation can be challenging for so many beings. When we are banding, it can be chilly in the morning and if our hands are cold, they lose body heat quickly. We keep a box with hand warmers handy to help. Then the sun is up and temperatures soar. We have to close the nets that are in full sun to protect birds from overheating.
That’s interesting that the birds temperatures are so sensitive. Thanks for sharing your “hands on” info!
Amazing photos, and interesting to learn about the panting!
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I was excited to get the hawk photos! Then I saw their tongues hanging out when reviewing my photos on my laptop.
The birds here in Arizona pant, too, in the summer. It looks very strange!
It’s the first time I noticed it, due to my photos of the hawks.
Fascinating and no had not heard about birds panting.
What an interesting fact! (and nice photo!)
Thanks!