Which characteristic is true for a ferruginous hawk?

The ferruginous hawk is indeed recognized for its larger size compared to many other hawk species. This characteristic sets it apart as one of the bigger raptors found in North America. Adult ferruginous hawks can have a wingspan that exceeds four feet, which is quite substantial when compared to other hawks. This size advantage allows them to hunt larger prey and occupy diverse habitats.

In terms of nesting preferences, while some hawks may choose cliffs, ferruginous hawks are more likely to nest on the ground in open grasslands or shrublands, which is distinct from the nesting habits of species that prefer cliff locations. Additionally, this species is not categorized as small; in fact, it is known for its robust body and impressive size. Lastly, while some populations of raptors do undertake long migrations, ferruginous hawks are more likely to exhibit partial migratory behavior depending on food availability and their specific habitat, instead of consistently migrating long distances like other raptor species.