Henery Hawk
Looney Tunes character, small rooster with outsized personality
Henery Hawk is a classic animated character from the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons, created by animator Robert McKimson and voiced by actor Mel Blanc. Introduced in 1942, Henery is a diminutive rooster with an outsized personality and distinctive Southern accent, constantly declaring 'I'm a hawk!' and demonstrating aggressive behavior despite his tiny stature. The character embodies comedic irony through his delusion of being a fearsome predator when in fact he is a small farm bird. Much of Henery's entertainment value comes from his interactions with Foghorn Leghorn, a large rooster character who becomes his frequent target and unwilling mentor figure. Henery's character design—featuring his small body, prominent beak, and determined expression—made him instantly recognizable to generations of cartoon viewers. Throughout the classic animation era, Henery appeared in numerous cartoons that showcased slapstick humor and witty dialogue typical of Golden Age animation. His catchphrase and personality became iconic elements of Warner Bros.' animation legacy. Though less prominent than some other Looney Tunes characters, Henery Hawk maintained a devoted fanbase and continues to be recognized as a beloved figure in classic American animation and popular culture.
Fictional Character
1942
Looney Tunes
Thinking about the name
Henery
Germanic origin
“An archaic or dialectal spelling of Henry, meaning 'estate ruler,' that appears occasionally in historical records and folk traditions. Henery feels antiquated and charmingly old-fashioned, evoking a sense of time and place. Parents drawn to this spelling might appreciate its literary or historical resonance.”