Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ferruginous Hawk
AdvancedButeo regalis
North America's largest buteo, big enough to be mistaken for an eagle. The light morph is rusty brown above with a pale head and underparts, and the legs are feathered down to the talons. It is well regarded in falconry.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
15〜30℃
Lifespan
Wild record 23.7 years
Size
51-71 cm
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Carnivorous: whole prey such as rabbits, rats, mice and quail
About
The ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) is a large hawk endemic to the arid grasslands, prairie and shrub steppe of interior North America; 'ferruginous' means rust-coloured. It is the largest North American buteo and is often mistaken for an eagle. Of the roughly thirty Buteo species worldwide, only the upland buzzard of Asia averages larger in length and wingspan. The wings are long and broad and the tail grey, rusty or white. Like the rough-legged buzzard, its legs are feathered to the talons. There are two colour morphs: light birds are rusty brown above and pale on the head, neck and underparts with rusty legs, while dark birds are dark brown throughout. There are no subspecies. It hunts mainly small mammals such as rabbits, hares, ground squirrels and pocket gophers. It is a well-regarded falconry bird, but its size, power and aggressive temperament make it unsuitable for beginners, and it is recommended for experienced falconers. In Japan captive-bred birds are sold by raptor specialists.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Ferruginous Hawk
The Ferruginous Hawk lives Wild record 23.7 years.
Size of the Ferruginous Hawk
The Ferruginous Hawk grows to 51-71 cm.
It is 51-71 cm long (average 58 cm), with a wingspan of 122-158 cm and a weight of 907-2,268 g, females being larger than males.
Basic Info
Origin
Arid grassland, prairie and shrub steppe of interior North America
Lifespan
Wild record 23.7 years
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
CITES Appendix IIIUCN LC · Least Concern
Buteo regalis. Birds of prey and owls are listed in CITES Appendix II apart from a few species, and this species is in Appendix II. International trade needs an export permit, but no registration under Japan's species conservation law is needed to transfer birds within Japan. Imports into Japan are subject to animal import notification under the Infectious Diseases Control Law. It is a species of interior North America, not native to Japan. The similarly named rough-legged buzzard (Buteo lagopus) is a different species that winters in Japan, and wild birds may not in principle be caught or kept under the Act on the Protection and Management of Wildlife, and the Optimization of Hunting. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern.
Sources: Species+ (Buteo regalis) / IUCN Red List / Act on the Protection and Management of Wildlife, and the Optimization of Hunting (Article 8)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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