Ferruginous Hawk
NameFerruginous Hawk
Common NameFerruginous Hawk
Scientific NameButeo regalis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)144
Length (cm)62.5
Weight (g)1500
Plumage DetailsLight morphs, like the one pictured, have a pale, often whitish head and underparts with variable streaking on the breast and belly. The back and upperwings are rufous-brown, and the feathered legs (tarsi) are distinctly rusty or ferruginous. Dark morphs are uniformly dark brown with rusty undertail coverts. Both morphs have yellow cere and feet.
Vocalization / CallA harsh, guttural 'kree-ah' or 'kyaah' call, often described as a crow-like caw, but more drawn out and raspy.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in western North America, from southern Canada through the western United States. Winters in the southern parts of its breeding range and into Mexico.
Identifying Featureslarge size, pale head and underparts (light morph), rusty feathered legs (leggings), yellow gape extending under eye, V-shaped wings in flight, white tail with rusty wash (light morph)
Description
The Ferruginous Hawk is a large, powerful raptor of open grasslands and deserts, often seen perching prominently on posts or soaring high above. It is known for its distinctive rusty-colored feathered legs and broad wings, making it a formidable hunter of small mammals.
