Rough-legged Hawk
NameRough-legged Hawk
Common NameRough-legged Hawk
Scientific NameButeo lagopus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)135
Length (cm)54
Weight (g)1100
Plumage DetailsPlumage is variable, generally featuring brown upperparts and pale underparts with dark streaking, especially on the breast and a prominent dark belly band. The head is often pale with fine streaking. The legs are feathered all the way to the toes. The tail is typically pale with a broad dark subterminal band, visible from below. Females and immatures are often darker and more heavily marked than adult males.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a high-pitched, plaintive, mewing 'kree-ee-ar' or 'mew' call, often repeated. They also produce harsh 'kek-kek-kek' notes when agitated or defending a nest.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatstundra, grassland, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters south into temperate North America (southern Canada and most of the contiguous United States), central Europe, and central Asia.
Identifying FeaturesFeathered legs (tarsi), Dark carpal patches on the underwing, Prominent dark belly band/patch, Pale tail with a broad dark subterminal band, Often hovers while hunting, Pale head with streaking
Description
The Rough-legged Hawk is a medium-sized raptor known for its distinctive feathered legs and hovering flight. It typically has brown upperparts and pale underparts with varying degrees of streaking and a prominent dark belly patch, adapting well to open, treeless environments.
