Ferruginous Hawk, Buteo regalis

Ferruginous Hawk, Buteo regalis. Photograph courtesy of Dr. Tom Bartol, Carlsbad, California, February 2019.

Background and Identification

The Ferruginous Hawk, Buteo regalis, is a member of the Accipitridae Family of Eagles and Hawks. They are large in stature.

Habitat and Geographical Range

They are found in open plains and prairies with grassland or sagebrush and in deserts.

In Mexico they are found throughout Baja California Norte and the central mountainous areas of the mainland Mexico.

Common Misidentifications

Conservation Status

 From a conservation perspective the Ferruginous Hawk is currently considered to be of Least Concern; however, in some areas they are Threatened due to shootings and loss of habitat.  They are dusk and nighttime predator, with exceptional nighttime eyesight and hearing. They consume gophers, jackrabbits, squirrels, and snakes. They are unafraid of humans and can be approached in the wild.