- Rough-legged Buzzard
Taxobox
name = Rough-legged Buzzard
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo =Falconiformes
familia =Accipitridae
genus = "Buteo "
species = "B. lagopus"
binomial = "Buteo lagopus"
binomial_authority = (Pontoppidan, 1763)The Rough-legged Buzzard ("Buteo lagopus"), called the Rough-legged Hawk in North America, is a medium-largebird of prey . It is typically between 50 to 60 centimetres long with a 130 cm wingspan. The breeding range is northernmostEurope ,Asia , andNorth America . It migrates further south in winter.It breeds on cliffs, slopes or in trees, laying about four eggs, but more in good
lemming years. It hunts over open land, eating mainly small mammals, and will come to carrion. This species, along with theOsprey , is one of the few large birds of prey to hover regularly.This is a broad-winged raptor, typical of the
genus "Buteo". Compared to theCommon Buzzard , it is longer-winged and more eagle-like in appearance. Its feet are feathered to the toes (hence its scientific name, meaning "hare-footed") as an adaptation to its arctic home range. Its toes are short for its size.It has a wide variety of plumages, but is typically brown above and paler below, with dark belly and carpal patches. The head is typically pale. The tail is white with a dark terminal band. Some Canadian birds are all-dark, comprising up to 40% of the population in the east.
References
* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
External links
* [http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i3470id.html Rough-legged Hawk "Buteo lagopus"] - USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter
* [http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Rough-legged_Hawk.html Rough-legged Hawk] - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
* [http://juliesmagiclightshow.com/index.php?pic=1146 Picture Link: Rough-Legged Hawk in Westmoreland, NH]
* [http://www.sdakotabirds.com/species/rough_legged_hawk_info.htm Rough-legged Hawk Information and Photos] - South Dakota Birds and Birding
* [http://www.bird-stamps.org/cspecies/3019500.htm Stamps: Rough-legged Hawk]
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