This week’s Bird of the Week, compliments of the Weminuche Audubon Society and Audubon Rockies, is the ferruginous hawk.
This is the biggest of North American hawks, noticeably greater than the acquainted red-tailed hawk which we see right here all 12 months. Although we aren’t far outdoors the year-round vary of the ferruginous, in our space that is strictly a late fall, early winter hen. It is mostly seen right here in December and January after which solely in small numbers.
The ferruginous hawks that winter right here are sometimes seen in search of a meal close to prairie canine cities. They are normally present in habitats with distinguished perches: a lone tree, fence submit, powerline pole or rocky outcrop. Small mammals — together with prairie dogs, rabbits and gophers — comprise most of their food regimen, though they may also take birds, reptiles, amphibians and huge bugs.
In addition to looking for prey whereas perched or on the wing, these hawks might quietly wait outdoors a prairie canine gap to grab the unfortunate rodent when it emerges. On the bottom these hawks might walk, hop or run after prey. The variety of young raised every year relies on the cyclical abundance of its mammalian prey, and when meals is scarce, pairs might not nest in any respect.
Ferruginous hawks are named for the rust-colored feathers on their backs and legs. They are one of many few “booted” hawks whose legs are lined in feathers all the best way to the toes. In light-colored kind, its white stomach stands out, missing the darkish band of the widespread red-tailed hawk. A uncommon darkish morph, sighted this winter within the Navajo lake space, seems darkish brown throughout when perched with white tail and flight feathers solely obvious in flight. Both kinds have a big invoice with a protracted, yellow gape that extends again so far as the eyes.
Ferruginous hawks are birds of the open areas of the West, depending on the conservation of the grassland, prairie, sagebrush and edge habitats the place they hunt.
For info on occasions, go to www.weminucheaudubon.org and www.fb.com/weminucheaudubon/.
Photo courtesy Jeffrey Reichel
