Ferruginous Hawk

Where can I see the Ferruginous Hawk

Photo credit
Stevemcsweeny
,

A Ferruginous Hawk is fairly large bird of prey, about the size of a Red-tailed Hawk. The Ferruginous Hawk is also fairly closely related to that species, but there are still some fairly obvious differences between them.

Like all raptors, the Ferruginous Hawk has hooked bills and sharp talons on their feet. These features are used for dispatching prey after they have been seized in the claws. However, these hawks are also known for their extremely strong legs and feet which are designed to hold down their prey until they can be eaten.

No subspecies of this particular hawk have been recognized so far, however there are several geographical variations within this species - so it is possible that further research may show up more forms of this bird of prey.

Ferruginous Hawk subspecies are almost completely tied to habitats with high grass cover, but they will also use bushes and trees for nesting purposes. They are typically found in savannas and open areas of grassland, which is where they get their name from.

Larger prey is preferred, though these hawks will eat some reptiles and rodents as well. However, the majority of what they eat tends to be a lot bigger than themselves. Smaller mammals such as rabbits make up a large part of the diet for this type of hawk - sometimes over half of their food intake can be small rodents or other hefty items including ground squirrels, prairie dogs and pocket gophers.

Animal population
Unknown
Population
IUCN Classification
Least Concern (LC)
IUCN Classification
Best time to see the Ferruginous Hawk
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Perfect
Good
Tolerable
Awful

Geeky Facts about the Ferruginous Hawk

Fact 1

The Ferruginous hawk can reach a speed of 120-150 mph while diving.

Fact 2

In winter, groups of 5-10 Ferruginous Hawks congregate in prairie dog towns, striking prey when it emerges.

Fact 3

Females may be as much as one-and-a half times larger than males.

Tours where I can see the Ferruginous Hawk

No items found.

Stories about the Ferruginous Hawk

No items found.

Areas of Natural Beauty where you can see the Ferruginous Hawk in the wild

Countries where you can see the Ferruginous Hawk

Big Cats
Big Cats
Big Cats
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canyoning
Canyoning
Canyoning
Cruise
Cruise
Cruise
Culture
Culture
Culture
Cycling
Cycling
Cycling
Festivals
Festivals
Festivals
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Hiking
Hiking
Hiking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Photography
Photography
Photography
Polar
Polar
Polar
Primates
Primates
Primates
Rafting
Rafting
Rafting
Rail
Rail
Rail
Safari
Safari
Safari
Sailing
Sailing
Sailing
Skiing
Skiing
Skiing
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Zip Lining
Zip Lining
Zip Lining