Which Hawk Is the Largest?
Which Hawk Is the Largest? Meet the Ferruginous Hawk
When it comes to size and majesty among hawks, the Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) stands out as the largest hawk species in North America. Known for its striking appearance, powerful build, and commanding presence in open skies, the Ferruginous Hawk is a true icon of the western plains.
🦅 How Big Is the Ferruginous Hawk?
The Ferruginous Hawk is a large raptor, rivaling some small eagles in size. Here are its key measurements:
- Wingspan: Up to 4.7 feet (1.4 meters)
- Body length: Around 22 to 27 inches (56 to 69 cm)
- Weight: Between 2.5 to 5 pounds (1.1 to 2.3 kg)
Its wings are long and broad, and its feathered legs — reaching all the way to the talons — give it a powerful, almost eagle-like appearance. These traits are ideal for soaring over vast open lands.
🌾 Where Does It Live?
Ferruginous Hawks are native to North America’s western grasslands, deserts, and prairies. They can be found from southern Canada through the western U.S. and down into northern Mexico. They prefer open country rather than forests, making them well-suited for spotting and hunting prey from the air.
🐇 What Does It Eat?
As a predator of the plains, the Ferruginous Hawk feeds mostly on:
- Rabbits and hares
- Ground squirrels and prairie dogs
- Small mammals and reptiles
It hunts from the air or from high perches, using its keen eyesight to detect prey from great distances.
🪶 Why Is It Called “Ferruginous”?
The word ferruginous means “rust-colored”, referring to the bird’s reddish-brown back and shoulders. There are two color morphs:
- Light morph: Pale underside with rusty streaks and reddish shoulders
- Dark morph: More uniformly brown, less common but equally striking
🧬 Is It Bigger Than an Eagle?
While the Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk, it’s still smaller than true eagles like the Bald Eagle or Golden Eagle. However, it’s the heaviest hawk species and the most powerful among the buteo hawks, a group known for broad wings and soaring flight.
⚠️ Conservation Status
While not currently endangered, the Ferruginous Hawk faces threats from:
- Habitat loss
- Declining prey populations
- Human disturbance and land use changes
Conservation programs across the U.S. and Canada monitor their populations and protect nesting grounds to ensure these majestic hawks continue to thrive.
