Migrant type: Short to medium-distance migrant

In Montana, these birds typically can just be found in breeding months and on into mid to late fall. Migrants generally take routes that do not cross the Rockies and follow grasslands. Some southern breeders stay year-round and most birds of this species do not stray east of their range.

They can be found nesting near open fields on top of trees, on a cliff, or even on the ground. Their prey is typically medium-sized mammals like jackrabbits, ground squirrels, rats, and other animals like snakes and birds.

They can be seen perched on utility poles, fence posts, or on the ground waiting near an active animal burrow. These buteos will use thermals to migrate and air currents called updrafts. Updrafts are caused by air pushing up and over hills and mountains and allow the birds to “slope soar” by riding these winds. These tactics can allow hawks, eagles, and vultures to cover 250 to 300 miles in a day.

Ferruginous Hawks are so named from their iron-colored or “ferrus” legs and underwing pattern. They also have a dark morph that is a similar color to Red-tailed hawks but typically more chestnut colored belly and inner wing leading edge. They also can be quite a bit larger than Red-tailed hawks and other hawks in Montana.