Rough-legged Buzzard

The Rough-legged Buzzard, known as the Rough-legged Hawk in North America, is a medium-large bird of prey with a notable presence in the Arctic and Subarctic regions. This raptor is distinguished by its feathered feet, an adaptation to its chilly habitat, and a white tail with a contrasting dark terminal band. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females typically larger than males.

Identification Tips

Adult Rough-legged Buzzards can be identified by their predominantly brown plumage with a high degree of speckling. A broad brown chest-band is often visible, and light morph individuals display a square dark carpal patch on the under-wing. The species exhibits a variety of plumage patterns, with differences between light and dark morphs, males and females, and adults and juveniles. Their long white tail feathers with dark bands and wingtips that reach or extend past the tail when perched are key characteristics.

Habitat

During the breeding season, Rough-legged Buzzards favor tundra and taiga habitats. They migrate south to marshes, prairies, and agricultural regions in the winter, where prey is abundant.

Distribution

This species breeds in the northern reaches of North America, Europe, and Asia, migrating southward to milder climates for the winter. It is the only member of its genus with a circumpolar distribution.

Behaviour

Rough-legged Buzzards are not strongly territorial, though they may exhibit aggression towards other buzzards during the winter. They are known for their ability to hover by beating their wings quickly, a rare trait among birds of prey.

Song & Calls

The alarm call of the Rough-legged Buzzard is a downward slurring whistle, while courtship involves a whistling sound that transitions to a hiss. After mating, females emit a cluck-like sound, and males produce a whistling noise. Fledglings beg for food with calls.

Breeding

Rough-legged Buzzards typically lay 3-5 eggs on cliff ledges or rocky outcroppings. The nests are constructed with twigs, sedges, and feathers. Incubation is mainly the female's responsibility, lasting at least 31 days. Fledglings leave the nest after 4-6 weeks but depend on their parents for food for an additional 2-4 weeks.

Similar Species

The Rough-legged Buzzard can be confused with the Common Buzzard and the Red-tailed Hawk but is distinguished by its longer wings and more eagle-like appearance. The Ferruginous Hawk is larger with different markings, including a whitish comma at the wrist and an all-pale tail.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Rough-legged Buzzard is primarily small mammals, particularly lemmings and voles. They may also consume other rodents, insects, and small birds. Hunting methods include still-hunting from a perch and hovering flight.

Conservation status

The Rough-legged Buzzard is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival at this time.