.RobNevin

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...Ferruginous Hawk ... Status: In the early 1900s, ferruginous hawks nested throughout south and central Alberta as far north as Edmonton. By 1987, nesting birds were found no further north than Coronation. Biologists estimate there are now 1,400 to 1,700 breeding pairs in the province, over half the Canadian population. Habitat: Uncultivated pasture on the Prairies and arid grasslands of western North America. Source: http://raysweb.net/specialplaces/pages/hawk.html Appearance: Largest hawk in North America. Heavy, thick-set birds with broad powerful wings. Adult females may be up to one-and-a-half times larger than the males. The name "ferruginous" comes from the Latin word ferrugo, meaning rust, for the rusty brown on their shoulders, back, rump and legs. Food: Gophers make up nearly 90 per cent of their diet. While raising their young, one pair of hawks consumes an average of 480 gophers. In Alberta, they may also eat moles, mice and white-tailed jack rabbits. Source: http://raysweb.net/specialplaces/pages/hawk.html