Kites, Hawks, Eagles

Rough-legged Hawk, Buteo lagopus

Family Accipitridae (Kites, Hawks, Eagles)

Size: 21"

Season: Winter

Habitat: Open country, areas near cliffs

The rough-legged hawk is a relatively long-winged and long-tailed buteo with a proportionately small bill and feet. Two color phases exist (light and dark), with the light phase being most common. It is mottled dark brown or grayish above and mixed creamy white and dark brown below, often with a concentration of dark at the belly, especially in females. In flight the central part of the wing is white, contrasting with darker coverts and tips of the flight feathers. The tail has a white base and a dark subterminal band. The legs are feathered for Arctic conditions (hence the common name). Rough-legged hawks search for small mammals or ground birds from a perch or while in flight, often hovering overhead. The light-phase adult is illustrated.