Breeding populations are found in Canada, Alaska (USA), Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, and Finland.
Wintering populations migrate to United States, Central and Eastern Europe, and parts of China, Mongolia, and Japan.
Appearance :
Medium to large-sized hawk with feathered legs extending down to the feet, a key characteristic. Plumage is variable, but generally features brown and white coloration, with dark belly patches and streaked underparts. Pale head and dark marks around the wrists of the wings when viewed in flight. The tail is white at the base with a broad dark band at the tip.
Behaviour :
Rough-legged Hawks primarily hunt small mammals such as lemmings, voles, and mice, often hovering in the air before swooping down to capture prey. Excellent at hovering (kiting) over open fields or tundra, using slow, deliberate wing beats. Migratory, moving south in winter from its Arctic breeding grounds.
Habitat :
Breeds in Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra, in both North America and Eurasia. Winters in open fields, grasslands, prairies, and agricultural areas across North America and Europe.
Diet :
Mainly feeds on small rodents, particularly lemmings, voles, and other small mammals. Occasionally preys on small birds and scavenges carrion.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Breeds in the high Arctic and migrates to southern regions during the winter.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated to be in the range of several hundred thousand individuals
Life Span :
In the wild, they typically live around 10-15 years, though some individuals can live longer.
Body And Tarsus:
Body: The Rough-legged Hawk has a sturdy, medium-sized body, designed for hovering and soaring. Its distinctive feature is the fully feathered legs, which help it endure cold environments.
Tarsus Length: The tarsus (leg length) is around 7–10 cm, fully feathered to the toes, helping to insulate the bird in cold climates.
Head And Bill :
Head: The head is relatively small compared to the body, with a pale face and dark streaks on the crown. The eyes are large and adapted for sharp vision, crucial for spotting prey from the sky.
Bill: The bill is relatively small for a hawk, short and hooked, ideal for tearing prey.
Bill Length: Approximately 1.5–2.5 cm.
Length :
The overall length of the Rough-legged Hawk ranges from 46 to 60 cm.
Neck :
The neck is relatively short and muscular, supporting its head during scanning for prey in flight.
Size :
Medium to large-sized hawk, larger than other Buteo species but smaller than eagles.
Tail Details :
Tail: The tail is broad and rounded, with a white base and a distinct dark terminal band. This tail pattern helps in identifying the species in flight.
Tail Length: The tail length ranges between 20 to 25 cm.
Feathers: The feathers are dense and adapted for cold climates. They are mostly brown with mottled light and dark patterns. The legs are fully feathered, giving the bird its name.
Weight :
The bird's weight ranges between 0.6 to 1.7 kg.
Wing :
The wings are broad and long, adapted for soaring and hovering. When flying, the dark patches on the undersides of the wings near the wrists are noticeable.
Wing Span :
The wingspan is between 120 to 150 cm
Facial Feature :
The Rough-legged Hawk has a pale face with dark streaks on the crown and around the eyes, which are large and yellow. The beak is small and hooked, typical of birds of prey.
Nest Details :
Nest: The nest is typically built on cliffs, rocky outcrops, or sometimes in trees near open tundra or taiga. Nests are often reused each year.
Nest Made up of: Nests are constructed from sticks, twigs, grasses, and are lined with moss, lichens, and sometimes animal fur or feathers to provide cushioning and warmth.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period begins in late April to May.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season typically occurs between May and July.
Egg Color :
The eggs are generally whitish or pale blue, with variable brown or grayish blotches and spots.
Egg Length :
Eggs are approximately 50–60 mm long.
Egg Width and Weight :
Egg Width: Eggs are about 40–45 mm wide.
Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 50–65 grams.
Clutch Size :
Typically, the clutch size ranges from 2 to 6 eggs, depending on the availability of food (primarily small rodents).
No. of Broods :
Generally, one brood per year, though the number of eggs in the brood can vary greatly based on food availability.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 31–33 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestling period lasts about 35–45 days before the young fledge.
Vocalization :
The Rough-legged Hawk is relatively quiet but may produce high-pitched whistles or screeching calls.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
Migration Pattern: Rough-legged Hawks are long-distance migrators, breeding in the Arctic tundra and migrating to temperate regions during the winter.
Migration Period: Southward migration begins in October, with the birds reaching their wintering grounds by November. They begin the northward migration back to the Arctic in March or April.
Migration Route: The migration route generally follows northern and central Europe and North America. In North America, they migrate from Alaska and northern Canada to the United States. In Europe, they move from the Scandinavian Arctic and Russia to Central and Southern Europe.