Nevada is home to a wide variety of hawks, ranging from small, agile species like the American kestrel to large, powerful birds of prey like the red-tailed hawk. When it comes to size, the largest hawk found in Nevada is the ferruginous hawk.
Identifying the Ferruginous Hawk
The ferruginous hawk is the largest hawk native to North America. Adults have a wingspan ranging from 45 to 60 inches, with females generally being larger than males. They have broad, rounded wings and a large, blocky head. The legs are feathered all the way to the toes, unlike many other hawks that have bare portions of their legs. Ferruginous hawks have variable plumage color depending on age and morph. Adult light morph birds are pale below with reddish-brown upperparts. The head is white with dark streaking. Dark morph ferruginous hawks are chocolate brown on both the upper and lowerparts with a white tail and thighs.
Size Comparison to Other Hawks
To put the size of the ferruginous hawk in perspective, here is how it compares to some other common hawks in Nevada:
Species | Length | Wingspan |
---|---|---|
Ferruginous Hawk | 22-26 inches | 45-60 inches |
Red-tailed Hawk | 19-25 inches | 40-57 inches |
Swainson’s Hawk | 18-22 inches | 42-54 inches |
Cooper’s Hawk | 14-20 inches | 24-35 inches |
Sharp-shinned Hawk | 9-13 inches | 18-29 inches |
American Kestrel | 9-12 inches | 20-24 inches |
As the table shows, both in length and wingspan measurements, the ferruginous hawk is considerably larger than other common hawks in the state. The red-tailed hawk comes closest in size, but still falls short of matching the massive ferruginous.
Habitat and Range
Ferruginous hawks inhabit open grasslands, sagebrush flats, desert scrub, and the fringes of pinyon-juniper forests. They are sensitive to habitat fragmentation and human disturbance. In Nevada, they are found throughout the Great Basin and Mojave Desert regions. Population densities are highest in northern Nye and White Pine counties.
Breeding
Ferruginous hawks breed in Nevada from March through July. They build large stick nests on cliffs, trees, power poles, or other elevated platforms. The female typically lays 2-4 eggs which are incubated for about 32 days before hatching. The young fledge at 6-7 weeks old but remain dependent on the parents for another 6 weeks or more.
Hunting and Prey
Ferruginous hawks mainly hunt small to medium-sized mammals such as ground squirrels, prairie dogs, jackrabbits, and cottontails. They may also prey on birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Hunting most often occurs during daylight hours as the hawks soar over open areas and watch for prey movement below. Once prey is spotted, the hawk plunges down feet-first to grab it in its talons.
Adaptations for Hunting
Several adaptations aid the ferruginous hawk in hunting success:
- Keen eyesight to spot prey from high up
- Cushioned legs to absorb impact on dive
- Large, strong talons to grip prey
- Curved beak for tearing flesh
- Precision maneuverability in flight
Working together, these attributes make the ferruginous hawk an effective predator able to take down prey much larger than itself.
Conservation Status
Due to declines in population from habitat loss and fragmentation, the ferruginous hawk is considered a Species of Conservation Concern in Nevada. Threats include conversion of grasslands to agriculture, urban development, and degradation of sagebrush ecosystems. However, populations have rebounded in recent decades through habitat protections and restrictions on harmful pesticides like DDT.
Currently the ferruginous hawk has a protected status of “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect crucial breeding and foraging areas in Nevada so that these magnificent birds of prey remain a part of the state’s diverse wildlife for years to come.
Ways to Help Ferruginous Hawk Conservation
- Support legislation and policies that protect sagebrush and grassland habitats
- Avoid disturbing nest sites, especially during breeding season
- Participate in raptor counts that monitor populations
- Put up nest platforms to provide additional safe nesting sites
- Donate to conservation organizations helping protect hawks
Conclusion
With its broad wings and massive build, the ferruginous hawk stands out as the largest hawk in Nevada. Capable of taking down sizable prey like jackrabbits, the ferruginous relies on expansive open habitats like sagebrush and grasslands to soar and hunt. Though facing some conservation threats, this iconic western bird remains a key part of Nevada’s avian diversity. Protecting its scrubland and desert habitats will ensure the ferruginous hawk continues to nest and flourish across the Silver State.