Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Ferruginous Hawk

Ferruginous Hawk
The ferruginous hawk is a large raptor found in the western plains of North America. They are a member of the buteo genus of hawks. Buteos are soaring hawks that are distinguished by their long wings and short tails. They ferruginous hawks are the largest hawk in North America and the second largest buteo in the world.
Ferruginous Hawk
The common name ferruginous comes from the Latin word ferrgin which roughly means iron rust. This is of course in reference to their rusty red colored feathers. The ferruginous hawk is one of only three North American raptors, other than owls, that have feathers that extend down their legs to their toes. The other two raptors are the rough-legged hawk and the golden eagle.



10 comments:

Unknown said...

Such a gorgeous bird while soaring. Great capture.

Lea said...

Beautiful bird!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Great that you captured it on its nest.

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

And they are indeed beautiful ... wonderful pictures! I hope I see one in person some day. It is difficult to tell their size ... could you compare their size to an eagle?

Andrea @ From The Sol

Marilyn Kircus said...

Thanks for posting. This is a hawk I rarely get to see and am still trying to learn to ID.

fredamans said...

Beautiful, majestic bird!

Roger Owen Green said...

I would not mess with that bird!

ROG, ABCW

Adam Tilt said...

What a bird.

Joy said...

That is a fine name and interesting to know its root.

A Colorful World said...

Fabulous photos of this wonderful bird!