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Platte River Status: A rare but widely distributed nesting species; uncommon and local winter resident. Tout (1947) recorded ferruginous hawk only on migration in Lincoln County. Rosche (1979) found ferruginous hawk in the lower North Platte River Valley during 10 March to 15 April, and 2 October to 27 December.

Breeding Range: A rare nesting species in all physiographic regions; probably more frequent in the western half of the study area.

Breeding Population: We failed to record ferruginous hawk on our random census plots in 1979-1980. We believe that about 20 pairs nest annually in the study area.

Habitat: Our observations suggest that wide range of habitats are used, but that large expanses of upland native prairie appear to be preferred. Kantrud and Kologiski (1982) reported that the association of this species with grazed native grasslands reflects the larger populations of prey species, on those areas. Heavily grazed or extremely flat areas are undesirable for placement of ground nests (Olendorff 1972, Stewart 1975, Lokemoen and Duebbert 1976). Land management practices that alter the density and structure of native vegetation can adversely affect prey populations resulting in a reduction of nesting ferruginous hawks (Jasikoff 1982).

Effect of Habitat Alteration: The loss of native grasslands has produced a negative impact on this species, both through the loss of suitable nesting habitat and also through loss of habitat to maintain a population of prey species. Ferruginous hawk is sensitive to human disturbance and is prone to nest desertion (Olendorff and Stoddard 1974, Fyfe and Olendorff 1976). Human disturbance and habitat alteration are the two factors considered most responsible for the decline of ferruginous hawk throughout the species range (Thurow et al. 1980).

Nesting Data: We have located 2 nests including one in T. 6 N. -R. 15 W., Kearney County on 30 May 1979. The nest was located in a large cottonwood tree and was surrounded by alfalfa and corn fields. Benckeser (1951) reported a pair of ferruginous hawks nesting on the side of a steep bank in a pasture northwest of Brule, Keith County in 1950.