# Ferruginous Hawk (*buteo regalis*) The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest of North America's Buteos, radiating power and elegance across the open prairies and scrublands of the West. Named for its rust-colored plumage, this spectacular raptor is a master of the grasslands, often seen soaring high above or patiently perched on fence posts. Unlike many other hawks, its legs are completely feathered down to the toes—an adaptation that helps insulate it against chilling winds and potentially protects it from bites during struggles with prey. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Found in wide-open country, including dry grasslands, shrub-steppes, deserts, and agricultural fields of western North America. ![Ferruginous Hawk](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/606346060/medium.jpg) Photo: Brooke J., CC BY 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/606346060) ## Appearance This large, broad-winged raptor features a classic light-morph look with a pale head, pristine white underparts, and rich, rust-brown shoulders and back. In flight, their wings exhibit brilliant white patches on the upper surface and a distinct, dark V formed by their feathered legs. Some individuals display a dramatic dark morph, covered in deep chocolate and rufous tones, but all retain the signature wide, yellow gape that stretches back to the eyes. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Accipitriformes - **Family:** Accipitridae - **Genus:** Buteo ## Interesting facts - During nesting season, they may build massive nests up to 3 feet across and 3 feet deep, sometimes incorporating unusual objects like plastic, barbed wire, and bones. - It is the largest hawk in North America, often mistaken for an eagle due to its massive size and soaring style. - Unlike most other hawks, its legs are completely covered in feathers all the way to its yellow feet, a trait shared with only two other North American raptors: the Rough-legged Hawk and the Golden Eagle. ## Special abilities - **Feathered Leg Armor:** Legs are fully feathered down to the toes, providing insulation and protection during encounters with struggling prey. - **Thermoregulatory Gape:** Possesses an unusually wide, bright yellow mouth gape that helps it dissipate heat efficiently in sun-baked, treeless environments. - **Ground-Level Hovering:** Capable of hovering in place low to the ground using wind currents, allowing it to scan the grass for hidden rodents without a high perch. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 51-69 cm - **Wingspan:** 133-152 cm - **Weight:** 1-2.1 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-20 years - **Speed:** 65 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2+ - **Incubation:** 32-33 days - **Migration Distance:** 1500 km ## Diet & Feeding Feeds primarily on medium-sized rodents and lagomorphs, adjusting its hunting strategy depending on prey density. - **Primary Foods:** Gunnison's Prairie Dog, Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Pocket Gophers, Meadow Voles - **Foraging Method:** Ambush And Pursuiting From Perches Or Air Dives And Sometimes Waiting At Rodent Burrows On The Ground Level Itself To Ambush Them As They Emerge Out Of Their Burrows Or Holes In The 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Horned Owl, which may take chicks or occupy their nests. ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Ferruginous Hawk? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Ferruginous Hawk? 51-69 cm ### What is Ferruginous Hawk's wingspan? 133-152 cm ### How much does Ferruginous Hawk weigh? 1-2.1 kg ### How long does Ferruginous Hawk live? 10-20 years ### How fast can Ferruginous Hawk move? 65 km/h ### What does Ferruginous Hawk eat? Feeds primarily on medium-sized rodents and lagomorphs, adjusting its hunting strategy depending on prey density. ### Where is Ferruginous Hawk usually found? Found in wide-open country, including dry grasslands, shrub-steppes, deserts, and agricultural fields of western North America. ## Where to spot - [Sod House Ranch](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sod-house-ranch) — Oregon, US · Historic Site - [Chesterfield](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chesterfield) — Idaho, US · Neighborhood ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Ferruginous Hawk: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ferruginous-hawk)