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?