Nebraskaland

52 Nebraskaland • January-February 2026 MIXED BAG The word regal is used to define something so magnificent or dignified that it's fit for a monarch, or resembles one. One of the state's hawk species is so highly thought of that it bears the name Buteo regalis. The ferruginous hawk wears its crown without trumpets and fanfare. Its mottled appearance can make it hard to distinguish from other hawks. The species of western North America that, in Nebraska, primarily ranges only in the Panhandle, is what you can call "a big deal," though. With a wingspan of almost 5 feet, it's the largest of big hawks known as buteos and, therefore, the largest of the hawk species. The much more common red-tailed hawk has rounder, shorter wings, a distinction that helps identify the bird in the air. The bald eagle and golden eagle aren't much larger than the ferruginous. The species has a range of color morphs but is named for the hue of the feathers on its legs and shoulders — ferruginous is a word that references the rust of iron. It joins the golden eagle and rough-legged hawk as the only raptor species in America with feathers down to their toes. Most others are only partially feathered and not as suited to the cold. The birds are well adapted to hunt the open prairie. They often perch on utility poles, dead trees and other high vantages to survey the landscape. Comparable to other hawks, they have outstanding eyesight, estimated to be about eight times better than that of humans. They primarily feed on small mammals but have been known to kill and fly off with larger species, such as jackrabbits. They've even been observed standing near the holes of prairie dogs and other small mammals waiting to ambush the unsuspecting prey when they emerge. As a distinction from other hawks, they will run down prey on foot. After performing a courting display of aerial acrobatics, ferruginous hawks build large nests, about 3 feet high and 3 feet across. Further solidifying the hawk's reputation as a species of the West are accounts of it using bison bones in nest construction when the big beasts roamed the plains in vast numbers. The nests can occur as high as 65 feet or down to ground level. The species is among those listed for greatest need of conservation in Nebraska, where the total population is estimated to be 200 to 400. There are fewer than 4,000 breeding pairs in the United States. The bird's scientific name did not always bear its regal distinction. It was first called Falco ferrugineus in the 1830s by the curator of a German museum who received a specimen from California. It was later discovered that name had already been used to describe another raptor species of Brazil. Official naming rights then went to the next on the list — a keeper at the British Museum received skins of birds from Mexico and had given it the Buteo regalis epithet in 1844. No, you won't see this hawk riding a royal carriage over the western Nebraska countryside. From its throne high above, though, Buteo regalis looms large to small mammals and keeps watch over its prairie kingdom. A ferruginous hawk keeps watch over its surroundings from atop a utility pole in Dawes County. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND A REGAL BIRD Royalty? Perhaps not, but ferruginous hawks are an iconic species of the American West By Justin Haag

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