Which hawk has long wings that narrow to form pointed tips?

Study for the California Falconry Apprentice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The Ferruginous Hawk is known for its long wings that taper to pointed tips, making it well-suited for its hunting and soaring behaviors. This design allows the bird to maneuver efficiently while flying and to cover large distances in search of prey, which often includes small mammals and birds. The pointed wings contribute to its ability to soar at great heights and glide effectively on thermals, making it an agile predator in open landscapes.

In contrast, the American Kestrel and the Red-tailed Hawk possess different wing shapes. The Kestrel has shorter, broader wings suited for quick, agile movements in a variety of habitats, while the Red-tailed Hawk has a more robust wing structure that aids in soaring but does not narrow to a point as sharply as that of the Ferruginous Hawk. The Peregrine Falcon, known for its incredible speed during hunting stoops, features wings that are also designed for agility, but they are broader compared to the Ferruginous Hawk's pointed wings, reflecting different adaptations for hunting tactics. Thus, the distinctive wing shape of the Ferruginous Hawk is a key characteristic that identifies it among other raptor species.

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