Ferruginous Hawk
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Buteo regalis
The ferruginous hawk is a large (63 cm or 25 in. long}, light colored hawk with a rust-colored back. From below, a typical adult shows a dark V formed by rusty feathers on the legs. The breast, abdomen and underwings are primarily white. The head is somewhat lighter in color than the rusty back and the tail is light and unbanded. This species, like the rough-legged hawk, has feathers on the legs but possesses a longer tail and wings.
In winter, ferruginous hawks migrate from the southern portion of the prairie provinces to the southwestern United States and Mexico. In Alberta, nests are usually built in low trees, on the ground, or on cliffs found in the badlands area of the prairie zone. New sticks and twigs are added each year to the nest until it becomes quite bulky. Three to 5 eggs are laid.
The ferruginous hawk feeds mainly on rodents. In recent years, the number of ferruginous hawks has been declining in Alberta, as a result of loss of nesting habitat. It is currently classified as an endangered species.
