Rough-legged Hawk
Buteo lagopus
Silhouette: Andy Wilson · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderAccipitriformes (Hawks, Eagles, Kites, and Allies)
- FamilyAccipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
- GenusButeo (Buteos)
- SpeciesButeo lagopus (Rough-legged Hawk)
About the Rough-legged Hawk
The rough-legged buzzard (Europe) or rough-legged hawk (North America) (Buteo lagopus) is a medium-large bird of prey. It is found in arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia during the breeding season, and migrates south for the winter. Historically, it was also known as "rough-legged falcon" in such works as John James Audubon's The Birds of America.
Nests are typically located on cliffs, bluffs or in trees. The clutch sizes are variable with food availability, but usually three to five eggs are laid. They hunt over open land, feeding primarily on small mammals, mainly lemmings and voles. Along with the kestrels, kites, and osprey, this is one of the few birds of prey to hover regularly.
This fairly large raptorial species is 46–68 cm (18–27 in) with wingspan ranging from 120 to 153 cm (47 to 60 in). Individuals can weigh from 600 to 1,660 g (1.32 to 3.66 lb) with females typically being larger and heavier than males. Weights appear to increase from summer to winter in adults, going from an average of 822 to 1,027 g (1.812 to 2.264 lb) in males and from 1,080 to 1,278 g (2.381 to 2.818 lb) in females. Among the members of the genus Buteo, it... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Rough-legged Hawk in Białowieża National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Białowieża National Park
Common Buzzard
Buteo buteo
Western Marsh-Harrier
Circus aeruginosus
White-tailed Eagle
Haliaeetus albicilla
Lesser Spotted Eagle
Aquila pomarina
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisus
European Honey-buzzard
Pernis apivorus
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneus
Greater Spotted Eagle
Aquila clanga
Montagu's Harrier
Circus pygargus
Pale Harrier
Circus macrourus
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
Red Kite
Milvus milvus
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Biebrza National Park | 🇵🇱 Poland | |
| 2 | Isle Royale National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 3 | Kiskunság National Park | 🇭🇺 Hungary | |
| 4 | Katmai National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 5 | Wrangell-St. Elias National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 6 | Hortobágy National Park | 🇭🇺 Hungary | |
| 7 | Białowieża National Park | 🇵🇱 Poland | |
| 8 | Wadden Sea National Park | 🇩🇪 Germany | |
| 9 | Fertő-Hanság National Park | 🇭🇺 Hungary | |
| 10 | Denali National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 11 | Point Pelee National Park | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 12 | Acadia National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 13 | Cape Breton Highlands National Park | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 14 | Wood Buffalo National Park | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 15 | Gauja National Park | 🇱🇻 Latvia | |
| 16 | Bavarian Forest National Park | 🇩🇪 Germany | |
| 17 | Tatra National Park | 🇸🇰 Slovakia | |
| 18 | Cairngorms National Park | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | |
| 19 | Everglades National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 20 | Monfragüe National Park | 🇪🇸 Spain |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Rough-legged Hawk in Białowieża National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Rough-legged Hawk sighting in Białowieża National Park, based on 14 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Rough-legged Hawk in Białowieża National Park?
October has the highest sighting rate for Rough-legged Hawk in Białowieża National Park in our monthly data.