Here’s a big hawk that I’d love to see some day.  He’s a native of open country in the western U.S.

The ferruginous hawk comes in two color schemes:  a dark version (click here to see) and this beautiful light color.  All of them have rust-colored wings, back, and legs that give them their ferruginous name.

When they fly their shape is similar to red-tailed hawks but these birds are much larger.  Their scientific name, Buteo regalis, means “regal buteo.”

Here he is from below.  Look how his belly appears to be bordered by rust.  Those are actually his legs.

If I want to see this bird, I’ll have to travel west again.  Steve Valasek took these pictures in New Mexico.

(photos by Steve Valasek)