Ferruginous Hawk

The ferruginous hawk is the largest hawk species in North America. Their name comes from the Latin word “ferrum,” meaning iron, for the rust-colored patches on their wings. Unlike most hawks, they have feathers extending all the way down their legs. Because of their slow wing beats, proportions, and behavior, they are often mistaken for eagles. 

Because they depend on open grasslands to hunt, ferruginous hawks are impacted by the cultivation of open land and the elimination of preferred prey species such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and rabbits. This species is also affected by secondary rodenticide poisoning, as many of the animals that they eat are considered pests and are targeted by farmers. Although they have fairly specific habitat requirements, ferruginous hawks are very flexible when it comes to nesting location, capable of raising young in trees, on platforms, on cliffs, or on the ground. Before the near-disappearance of the American bison from the West, ferruginous hawk nests were often built with bison bones and wool. 

Sage (F) Hatched: March 2003 | Arrived: January 2004

Sage came to us from the World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis, Missouri, and was raised in human care. She came to us when she was less than a year old. Like many ferruginous hawks, Sage can be aggressive when defending her food or space, particularly during the spring and early summer when birds are often “broody” and molt their feathers. She is also particular about who handles her, only allowing a handful of people to directly interact with her.