Rough-legged Hawk
Least ConcernButeo lagopus
Visual Identification
Rough-legged Hawk
Appearance
The Rough-legged Hawk is a large raptor with distinctive feathered legs. It displays variable plumage, typically featuring dark brown upperparts and pale underparts with dark belly patches. The tail is white with a dark terminal band.
Like many raptors, two color morphs exist, with the light morph being more common; a white or cream-colored head, breast, and belly with a brownish-black body. Dark morph rough-legged hawks are mostly dark blackish-brown, with pale trailing edges to the underwing and a heavily barred tail.
In both plumage variations, a major feature is the ‘rough legs’, dense feathering that extends down the legs to the toes.
Males are generally lighter in color than females. In flight, this hawk shows dark 'wrist' patches on its pale underwings. Juveniles resemble adults but may have more streaking on the underparts.
Size
Length
46cm to 59cm
Wingspan
120cm to 153cm
Weight
715g to 1.4kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Rough-legged Hawks breed in Arctic and subarctic regions across North America and Eurasia, favoring open tundra and taiga habitats. They nest on cliffs or rocky outcrops in these northern landscapes.
During winter, they migrate south to temperate regions. In North America, they can be found across the northern United States and southern Canada, frequenting open grasslands, prairies, and agricultural areas.
In the UK, they are scarce and occasional winter visitors when food sources are in particularly short supply further north in Scandinavia. Locations on the east coast of England and northeast Scotland offer the best opportunities for a sighting.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,200 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Rough-legged Hawks primarily feed on small mammals, especially lemmings and voles. During the breeding season, these rodents can make up to 80-90% of their diet. They also hunt other small animals like ground squirrels, rabbits, and hares.
Birds are also a key element in their spring and summer diet, with Lapland longspur, American tree sparrows, and ptarmigan the most commonly caught species.
Their hunting strategy involves hovering or perching to spot prey.
Behaviour
Rough-legged Hawks are known for their distinctive hovering behavior while hunting, often seen hanging motionless in the air with their legs dangling.
They are generally solitary but may gather in small groups during migration. These hawks are primarily diurnal and spend much of their time perched on poles or trees, scanning for prey.
Vocalisation
Rough-legged Hawks are generally quiet outside of the breeding season. During breeding, they produce a cat-like mew sound, described as a drawn-out 'kee-ow'.
Males may also make a rapid series of short whistles during courtship displays. Their calls are less frequent and softer compared to many other hawk species.
Nesting & Breeding
Rough-legged Hawks form monogamous pairs and typically breed once a year. The breeding season begins in May or June, coinciding with the abundance of prey in their Arctic habitats.
Nests are large structures made of sticks and lined with softer materials, often built on cliff ledges or rocky outcrops. Females lay 3-5 eggs, pale bluish-white with brown markings.
Incubation lasts about 31 days. The female primarily incubates while the male provides food. The chicks fledge after 5-6 weeks but may depend on their parents for several more weeks.
Lifespan
The Rough-legged Hawk typically lives for 2 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 18.8 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Rough-legged Hawks face threats from habitat loss due to climate change in their Arctic breeding grounds. They are also vulnerable to collisions with wind turbines and vehicles.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting their breeding and wintering habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in open tundra or grasslands during breeding season
- In winter, search near agricultural fields or marshes
- Observe their characteristic hovering flight while hunting
- Note the feathered legs, a key identifying feature
- In North America, they're more common in northern states during winter
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Rough-legged Buzzard
Family:
AccipitridaePredators
Adult Rough-legged Hawks have few natural predators, but eggs and nestlings may fall prey to foxes, wolves, and other raptors like Golden Eagles or Gyrfalcons.
Did You Know?
- Their scientific name 'lagopus' means 'hare-footed', referring to their feathered legs.
- They are one of the few hawk species that can hover in place while hunting.
- Rough-legged Hawks can travel over 2,700 miles (around 4,345 km) during migration.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Buteo lagopus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22695973A202640529.
View source - 4
report, 2020: Partners in Flight
- 3
website, 2020: Partners in Flight
View source - 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source