COMMON NAME: Rough-legged Hawk
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Buteo lagopus
IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:
About the size of a red-tailed hawk, the rough-legged hawk is feathered down
the legs to the tops of its feet. It has a variety of color phases, from
dark melanistic to light, although it never gets as light as a Krider's
red-tailed hawk. In all color phases there is a very dark band across the
chest, and
black
patches on the underside of the wrist. A white patch at the base of the
tail is a good field characteristic.
RANGE:
Breeds in the arctic tundra from Alaska through Canada and into Europe.
Is seen in the northern United States during the winter. Rough-legged
hawks can usually be found in Minnesota from September to May.
HABITAT:
Can be seen hunting over agricultural fields and grasslands. Typically
hovers while searching for prey.
NESTING:
Stick nests are built on cliff ledges and in the tops of trees.
FEEDING HABITS:
Feeds primarily on small rodents such as mice and lemmings.
RAPTOR CENTER DATA:
A few rough-legged hawks are admitted to the clinic each winter, but
it is
never a common patient.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
The rough-legged hawk is not listed as a species of special concern
in the United States.
Other Web Resources:
Rough Legged Hawk Range
Minnesota Ornithologists' Union bird range map
Additional Information (not specifically about hawks):
Publications
