The Rough-legged Hawk is a visitor from the arctic tundra, appearing each winter over North American open country. Named for its feathered legs — an adaptation to cold climates shared with several arctic raptors — it frequently hovers in place while hunting, a behavior unusual among buteos. Like many arctic breeders, it nests on cliffs and follows lemming population cycles.
Best time to see a Rough-legged Hawk
The best time to see a Rough-legged Hawk is December–February, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 7,087 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Rough-legged Hawk sightings near you
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