Look for a Rough-Legged Hawk in Winter
Updated: Oct. 05, 2023
Learn what a rough-legged hawk looks like and when and where birders can spot these birds of prey in North America throughout the year.
What Does a Rough-Legged Hawk Look Like?
A rough-legged hawk has a broad belly band and large dark circular patches on the underwings that contrast with the paler flight feathers. In flight, the tail shows white at the base with dark banding at the tip.
A few birds (dark morph) have very dark feathers and can look nearly black when perched. But they still show a distinct pattern on the wings and tail when in flight.
This medium sized buteo measures approximately 21 inches long with a 23-inch wingspan.
A typical juvenile rough-legged hawk has a black belly, which contrasts with its streaky buff-colored chest.
Did You Know: This is one of only three North American hawks with feathered legs—the other two are the golden eagle and the Ferruginous hawk.
Check out essential hawk identification tips for birders.
Range and Habitat
For most birders, the rough-legged hawk is a species only seen in winter—unless you happen to be on the Arctic tundra. These raptors migrate south to spend winter in southern Canada and across much of the United States.
ID challenge: Cooper’s hawk vs sharp-shinned hawk.
What Do Rough-Legged Hawks Eat?
You can often see rough-legged hawks briefly hovering in place with rapidly beating wings before plummeting down on unsuspecting small rodents such as lemmings, mice and voles.
Why do crows chase hawks and owls?
Nesting Habits
These birds build their nests on cliffs in the high arctic. They do not breed in the United States, with the exception of Alaska.
Don’t miss these simply stunning pictures of hawks.
Sounds and Calls
Listen for whistling sounds and a clear descending keeeeyr cry when the hawks are near the nest.
Next, learn how to identify a red-tailed hawk.
