ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK
Buteo lagopus
DESCRIPTION
Rough-Legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) is also known as the Rough-legged Buzzard, a medium to large bird of prey characterized by its distinctive feathered legs and broad wings. This hawk exhibits a range of plumage colors, from light to dark morphs, with a generally pale body and dark markings. It is known for its soaring flight and often hunts from a perch, scanning the ground for prey in open habitats.
FUN FACTS
- Rough-Legged Hawks are unique among Buteo species for their feathered legs, which help insulate them against cold temperatures
- They are also known for their distinctive hunting technique of hovering in the air while searching for prey, a behavior that is particularly effective in open tundra environments
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivi
Average Weight0.7-1.6 kg
Average Length45-60 cm
Diet TypeCarnivore
Social Structuresolitary, typically seen alone or in pairs during breeding season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- This species prefers open tundra, grasslands, and arctic regions, often nesting on cliffs or in trees. It is well-adapted to cold environments and migrates to milder areas during winter.
- Biomes
- Tundra, Grassland
- Native Range
- Rough-Legged Hawks breed in the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia, migrating south during the winter months.
- Continent
- North America, Europe, Asia
- Countries
- Canada, United States, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland
- Diet
- The Rough-Legged Hawk primarily feeds on small mammals, particularly lemmings and voles, but will also consume birds and carrion when necessary.
- Diet Type
- Carnivore
- Favorite Food
- small mammals
- Social Structure
- solitary, typically seen alone or in pairs during breeding season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
LC
LC
0.7-1.6 kg
Weight
45-60 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Variable plumage with light and dark morphs; generally pale with dark belly bands and feathered legs.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Females are generally larger than males.
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivi
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-5
- Sexual Maturity
- 2 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Rough-Legged Hawks is considered stable, although they can be affected by habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 50,000-100,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction and climate change, which can impact their breeding and feeding grounds. Pesticide use can also affect their prey availability.
- Predators
- Great Horned Owls, Golden Eagles, and larger raptors may prey on young or injured Rough-Legged Hawks.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They may use aggressive displays and vocalizations to defend their territory and nests.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon