Buteos

Ferruginous Hawk

• Large, heavy buteo of the western U.S. plains and deserts.
• Mainly feeds on ground squirrels and jackrabbits.
• While they are similar to Red-tailed Hawks, they tend to be less even-tempered and harder to control. Can be quite territorial.
• Faster flyers than Red-tailed Hawks. Can hunt effectively in heavy winds.
• Not a common falconry bird; more appropriate for experienced falconers.
• Hunting with Ferruginous Hawks is like hunting with a small eagle.

Click for more information from the Patuxent Bird Identification Infocenter