Ferruginous Hawk
1. Bird Name
The English name of the bird is Ferruginous Hawk, while its Latin name is Buteo regalis.
2. Appearance
The Ferruginous Hawk is one of the most striking raptors. Adults sport a rusty colour (from which they get their name), with feathered legs and a large, broad-winged body. They often have a light belly and a reddish back and wings. Eye colors change as the bird matures, from a yellowish shade in juveniles to a bolder, more intense orange in adults. In terms of markings, they boast a distinguishing pale patch on the upper wing. The overall impression is of a robust, sinewy bird, a perception reinforced by a thick, curved beak designed for ripping apart prey. Males are slightly smaller than females, but there is no significant difference in the colour pattern between genders.
3. Size
These relatively large hawks average 56-69 cm (22-27 inches) in length. They have a wingspan of up to 142 cm (56 inches) and can weigh between 0.91-2.1 kg (2-4.6 lbs).
4. Habitat & Distribution
The Ferruginous Hawk can be found primarily in the arid and semi-arid regions of North America, especially the western plains and grasslands from southern Canada down to northern Mexico. It flourishes in open country settings, preferring grasslands, plains, and desert-like environments. This hawk often avoids forested areas.
5. Interesting Facts
Contrary to many raptors, the Ferruginous Hawks often build their nests on the ground. Additionally, their population fluctuates in relation to the population of rodents, their primary food source, leading to “boom and bust” cycles. They are also the largest of the Buteo species and have the most extensive wingspan amongst North American raptors, save the Bald and Golden eagles.
6. Diet
The Ferruginous Hawk’s diet primarily consists of small to medium-sized mammals, rodents like ground squirrels, prairie dogs, voles, and rabbits. However, they have also been observed feeding on birds and reptiles opportunistically.
7. Behavior & Sounds
These birds are known for their soaring flight, often seen flying high, circling on rising thermal air currents. When it comes to nesting, they exhibit an unusual variety of choices, including the ground, rock outcrops, haystacks, or even human-made structures. Their call is often described as a loud, harsh scream reminiscent of a high-pitched crow call.
8. Conservation Status
Currently, Ferruginous Hawks are considered “Near Threatened” by the IUCN due to habitat alteration and decrease in prey sources.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, Ferruginous Hawks can live for up to 20 years, although it is rare. In captivity, they can live slightly longer; the highest documented is 21 years.
10. Additional Notes
In some Native American cultures, the Ferruginous Hawk holds significant cultural value as a symbol of strength and power. These hawks play a crucial role in managing rodent populations. Despite being less frequently seen around human habitations, there have been instances of their adaptability, making use of artificial platforms for nesting. These birds have local names in Spanish such as ‘gavilán herrero’ or ‘aguilucho colorado.’
