Habitat: In Arizona, the open scrublands and woodlands, grasslands, and Semidesert Grassland in the northern and southeastern parts of the state are the potential haunts of breeding Ferruginous Hawks. During winter, they select the same areas, along with agricultural areas statewide; it does not use cultivated lands for nesting , however (Glinski 1998). Avoids high elevation, forest interior, and narrow canyons. In general the Ferruginous hawk breeds in open areas with little topographic relief. Hunting areas are typically open grasslands, preferably those dotted with suitable low hills or short trees which serve as perches (Hall et al 1988).Source: Arizona Game & Fish

Description: About 2' in height with a wingspan of 5'. One of the largest hawks. Often mistaken for an eagle. Although no subspecies are recognized, there are dark morphs that grade in color from brownish black to reddish brown. Adults are usually entirely white in front from the breast up through the side of the head, where light gray grades from the top of the head and down the back. The rusty shoulder patches contrast to the gray back. Immature birds are browner over the entire back and lack the rusty shoulder patches. The tail of both adults and young are lighter at the base and slightly barred or, in older birds, washed with rusty brown. This raptor was once called the "Ferruginous Rough-legged Hawk" for the tarsus that is "roughed" with feathers all the way to the toes. Source: Arizona Game & Fish

Comments: Currently: breeds in northern Arizona on the Colorado Plateau, otherwise from September to April, can be seen in virtually any part of Arizona with open environs, particularly in agricultural fields and native grasslands Source: Arizona Game & Fish