Look for a Rough-Legged Hawk in Winter

What Does a Rough-Legged Hawk Look Like?

Larry Keller, Lititz Pa./Getty Images

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

Larry Keller, Lititz Pa./Getty Images

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?

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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.

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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.