The Ferruginous Hawk is a large type of buteo hawk that lives across western parts of North America. They prefer open country - prairies, open plains, badlands, and grasslands.
These large, powerful birds eat a variety of prey animals, including ground squirrels, muskrats, prairie dogs, and jackrabbits. Their large yellow gape (mouth width) is apparent and allows Ferruginous Hawks to swallow large prey whole!
Ferruginous Hawks use a variety of nest sites, including trees, rocky outcrops, artificial nest platforms, the rocky ground, or even haystacks! Usually three or four eggs are laid. Male offspring fledge up to 10 days before female chicks.
The gape of a bird's beak might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about our feathered friends, but it’s an incredibly important feature that plays a vital role in their survival. Let's delve into what the gape is, why it matters, and some... Read more »
Today a beautiful bird of prey from the American west joins Birdorable: the Ferruginous Hawk! Ferruginous Hawks are the largest species of hawk found in North America. They are even sometimes mistaken for eagles when seen in flight - they're... Read more »
