During June and July 2000, we collected regurgitated pellets and uneaten prey remains at 26 nests occupied by ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis) in northwestern, western, and central New Mexico. Analysis of remains from all nests yielded a minimum of 260 individual prey from at least 18 vertebrate (13 mammals, 3 birds, and 2 reptiles) and 2 arthropod species. The taxa most frequently represented were Botta's pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae), ground squirrels (Spermophilus), Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni), and desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii). Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) and barn owl (Tyto alba) were recorded for the first time as prey of ferruginous hawks.
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Cartron et al. (2004) studied this question.
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