Protecting Alberta’s ferruginous hawk
Alberta is launching a new at-risk species plan to protect an endangered hawk and send population numbers soaring.
The ferruginous hawk has been seen in the rolling plains of southern Alberta’s grasslands for generations and is widely known as the largest hawk in North America. However, despite past efforts to increase its numbers, the bird remains endangered under Alberta’s Wildlife Act.
Alberta’s government is releasing an updated plan to protect this majestic hawk and support the growth of its population. This plan will update the original 2014 plan and will increase population numbers, protect nest sites and support the habitats needed for the ferruginous hawk to thrive.
A ferruginous hawk in flight near Hilda, Alta. Photo by Gordon Court
“This plan represents a collaborative, multi-year conservation effort between Environment and Protected Areas and multiple partners. While still not where they need to be, numbers of ferruginous hawks appear to be moving in the right direction, thanks to these efforts. These large, conspicuous hawks are an iconic species in our grasslands and play an important role in our province’s ecosystem.” — Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
Alberta’s species at risk recovery plans help establish a basis for cooperation among government, Indigenous communities, industry, conservation groups, landowners and other stakeholders to ensure at-risk species and populations are restored or maintained to their former glory.
Under the original plan, the ferruginous hawk population has slowly stabilized and shown signs of increasing. However, the bird remains endangered, and an updated approach is needed if Alberta hopes to see a long-term recovery.
Through the new plan, Alberta’s government and partners across the province will work to protect and support the hawk’s habitats, nest structures and prey needed to survive. Other important steps will also be taken in the coming years, including reducing human disturbance at nest sites and limiting the impacts of predators.
“Ensuring grasslands are maintained for species like ferruginous hawks is crucial. These hawks are often embraced by landowners as a natural means to help control ground squirrel numbers, with many encouraging the endangered species to establish a nest on their land. Continued support and collaboration from landowners, along with society’s desire to see ferruginous hawks thrive, provides a promising future for this and other species as long as we maintain intact grasslands.” — Brad Downey, senior biologist, Alberta Conservation Association
“Since 2008, AltaLink has proudly been an active member of the Alberta Ferruginous Hawk Recovery Team and contributed to the development of the recovery plan. Through our own avian protection plan, AltaLink proactively works to mitigate the potential impact that our facilities can have on all avian species. This has included funding ferruginous hawk research and contributing materials and resources to construct nesting platforms. We are pleased with the approval of the recovery plan and look forward to continuing our efforts to support the recovery of this species.” — Nikki Copeland, senior environmental advisor, AltaLink
This recovery plan was developed with input from Indigenous communities, industry, conservation groups and other stakeholders that have played vital roles in recovery efforts for Alberta’s ferruginous hawk population.
Quick facts
Most ferruginous hawks are pale below with a rusty orange back, but some are dark brown with a contrastingly lighter tail.
Ferruginous hawks require open habitat, including grassland, shrub-steppe or desert, typically nesting on elevated features such as trees or nest platforms. Its primary predators are great-horned owls; however, nestlings may be susceptible to predation by golden eagles, coyotes, badgers and foxes, among others.