The Ferruginous Hawk is a large bird of prey found in the open habitats of western North America. With its light coloration, reddish-brown back and legs, and pale underparts, the Ferruginous Hawk is well-camouflaged in the arid grasslands and deserts that make up much of its range. This impressive raptor can have a wingspan of over four feet, making it one of the largest hawks in North America. Though widespread, the Ferruginous Hawk has suffered population declines throughout the 20th century and is considered a species of conservation concern. However, populations appear to have stabilized more recently. If you want to catch a glimpse of this remarkable bird of prey, here is some information on the habitat and range of the Ferruginous Hawk to help you know where to look.
Range and Distribution
The Ferruginous Hawk has a wide distribution across western North America. This species breeds from south-central Canada south through the western United States into northern Mexico. The core of its breeding range includes the Great Plains regions of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in Canada south through Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and west to states like Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Though found throughout much of the western states, populations tend to be localized based on available habitat. Important breeding populations occur in areas like eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, and pockets of western Utah.
During the winter months, Ferruginous Hawks migrate from Canadian breeding areas to the southern parts of their range. They winter primarily in the southwestern United States into northern Mexico. Southern Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas host significant concentrations of wintering Ferruginous Hawks, as do areas of eastern Colorado, Oklahoma, and western Kansas. Some individuals remain as far north as Washington and Oregon during mild winters.
Breeding Habitat
Ferruginous Hawks breed in open grassland, sagebrush, and desert habitats of western North America. They typically nest in trees like cottonwoods, willows, and junipers that occur near open areas of grasslands, shrub-steppe, or desert habitat where they forage. Ferruginous Hawks avoid breeding in areas with extensive croplands or human disturbance. The availability of suitable nest trees limits their breeding distribution locally.
Key areas for breeding Ferruginous Hawks include:
– The grasslands of southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in Canada.
– The mixed-grass prairies of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
– The shrub-steppe habitats of eastern Washington and Oregon.
– Pockets of western Utah dominated by sagebrush.
– Grasslands and deserts of Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Wintering Habitat
During the winter months, Ferruginous Hawks use open habitats including grasslands, deserts, and agricultural areas across the southern parts of their range. Wintering Ferruginous Hawks are often associated with the following regions:
– The desert grasslands and shrublands of southern Arizona.
– The deserts and grasslands of New Mexico.
– Shortgrass prairies of west Texas and the Texas panhandle.
– Plains and prairies of eastern Colorado and Oklahoma.
– Agricultural areas and plains of western Kansas.
Wintering Ferruginous Hawks tend to roost communally in groups which can number over 100 birds. Roost sites are typically located in trees or on bluffs, rock outcrops, or river banks.
Best Places to See Ferruginous Hawks
Here are some of the top places to spot Ferruginous Hawks throughout their range:
Idaho
The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in southwestern Idaho protects important breeding areas for Ferruginous Hawks and other raptors. This area of high desert provides habitat for an estimated 800 breeding pairs of Ferruginous Hawks. Visitors to the conservation area may catch sight of these large hawks hunting over the grasslands or spot their large stick nests in trees and rock formations.
Oregon
The Juniper Forest region of central Oregon hosts breeding Ferruginous Hawks, especially around the town of Prineville. Birds nest in juniper trees and hunt in the expansive sagebrush flats of the area. The BLM manages several Ferruginous Hawk management sites in this region that are accessible to birdwatchers.
California
Though not abundant, Ferruginous Hawks occur in northeastern California in the Modoc Plateau region, which offers grasslands and scrub habitat. The best areas for spotting Ferruginous Hawks include the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge and the Surprise Valley region.
Nevada
In Nevada, Ferruginous Hawks are found during both the breeding season and winter. Good areas to see them include Grass Valley southwest of Carlin, the Monitor Valley and Toquima Range near Austin, and the Desert National Wildlife Refuge near Las Vegas.
Utah
The West Desert region of western Utah harbors breeding Ferruginous Hawks that nest on rock formations and hunt over sagebrush. They can be found near the towns of Terra and Lucin. Migrant and wintering birds also use habitats throughout eastern Utah.
Wyoming
Ferruginous Hawks breed in western Wyoming grasslands including the Red Desert region and can also be found throughout the state during migration and winter. Prime areas include the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge and the Thunder Basin National Grassland.
Montana
Northeastern Montana near the North Dakota border provides expansive mixed-grass prairies inhabited by breeding Ferruginous Hawks. The species occurs at low densities across grasslands in the rest of the state. Good public lands to visit include Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.
Colorado
In Colorado, the Pawnee National Grassland northeast of Denver attracts wintering and migrant Ferruginous Hawks. The Comanche National Grassland on the Colorado-Kansas border also provides habitat for wintering birds. Nesting occurs in the San Luis Valley.
New Mexico
New Mexico hosts significant wintering populations of Ferruginous Hawks that congregate in the grasslands and deserts of the central and southern parts of the state. The Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge north of Socorro offers excellent winter viewing opportunities.
Texas
The open grasslands and prairies of the Texas panhandle and west Texas attract large numbers of wintering Ferruginous Hawks. Some of the best areas include the Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge, and Rita Blanca National Grassland.
Kansas
Though numbers have declined, wintering Ferruginous Hawks can still be found in western Kansas grasslands. The Cimarron National Grassland contains protected prairie habitat for wintering raptors. Quivira National Wildlife Refuge near Stafford is another location where birders may spot Ferruginous Hawks in winter.
Seasonal Viewing Opportunities
The Ferruginous Hawk has migrated from northern breeding areas by November, making fall and winter the best seasons for viewing them in the southern parts of their range. Nesting activity occurs from March to July farther north, providing spring and early summer viewing opportunities in breeding regions. Here are some key details on viewing Ferruginous Hawks seasonally:
Winter
– December to February provides the best winter viewing opportunities when most Ferruginous Hawks have arrived at southern wintering grounds.
– Scan open habitats like grasslands, fields, and deserts for perched or flying birds.
– Check known roost sites in the mornings and evenings when activity peaks.
Spring Migration
– March to May is the time to catch migrating Ferruginous Hawks moving north to breeding areas.
– Watch for kettles of migrating raptors that may include Ferruginous Hawks.
– Scan fence posts and poles for feeding and resting migrants.
Breeding Season
– Ferruginous Hawks are nesting on territory from March through July across the northern plains, intermountain west, and central to southwestern Canada.
– Watch for aerial displays by breeding pairs. Listen for calls between mates.
– Search for large stick nests on cliffs, rock outcrops, or lone trees. Watch nests for activity.
Fall Migration
– September to November is the fall migration period as birds move south for winter.
– Kettles of migrating raptors may include Ferruginous Hawks.
– Resting and feeding birds can concentrate along ridgelines and mountain passes.
Conclusion
The majestic Ferruginous Hawk rules the open habitats of western North America. Though populations suffered declines in the 20th century, this important raptor continues to breed across the northern plains and winter in the deserts and grasslands of the southwest. With patience and persistence, birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of the Ferruginous Hawk throughout much of the central and western United States and parts of southern Canada by visiting key habitats during the breeding season, winter months, and migration periods. Just be sure to bring binoculars and scan those empty skies for a distant raptor with reddish-brown coloring banking on broad wings – you may have spotted the Ferruginous Hawk!