Having bred and summered across northern Canada and Alaska, rough-legged hawks drift southward through autumn and winter in the U.S.; since they favor open country, these large buteos are best observed across the Great Plains and Intermountain West.
Heavy bodied and long-winged, rough-legged hawks are identified by their appearance and their behavior. Field marks include a light-colored head, dark patches at the bend of each wing and a white tail with a black terminal band; their name reflects prominent feathering of their legs and feet. Despite their size, these raptors often hunt by hovering over their prey and are known for their habit of perching precariously on thin snags or limbs.
Rough-legs feed primarily on lemmings, mice and voles but may feast on the remains of deer or pronghorns that succumb to the winter snows. Come spring, they return to their Arctic and Subarctic haunts where they nest on cliffs or rocky outcrops.
