Ferruginous Hawk

The Ferruginous hawk, scientific name: Buteo regalis is a buzzard-like hawk that measures 20 inches in length and has an average wingspan of 54 inches. Before the elimination of Bison in the American west, Ferruginous hawk nests were partially made out of Bison bones and wool. The Ferruginous hawk itself is considered threatened in several states and has been since the 1970's.

The Ferruginous hawk lives in arid and semi-arid desert grasslands where they can find small rodents, reptiles, other birds and occasionally insects to eat. Since their reproduction success is largely based on their diet, an abundance of prey is preferable.

Ferruginous hawks breed primarily in April and June after and during the building of their nests. Nest building is a team operation: The male gathers the material while the female builds the nest. After the female lays 3-4 eggs incubation is also shared between the parents.

Interesting fact about the Ferruginous hawk: The Rough-Legged hawk, the Golden eagle and the Ferruginous hawk are the only American hawks that have feathers that extend all the way to their toes.