Rough-legged Hawk

LC - Least Concern

N5B, N5N - Secure Breeding and Nonbreeding

SNRN - Unranked Nonbreeding

not listed

In flight, the undersides are either all dark (dark morph) or light with a broad, dark, abdominal belt (light morph); the tail is long and white with a single dark subterminal band; the wings are relatively long and narrow, white on the trailing edge and dark on the leading edge from the body to the wrist (dark morph), or white with a dark wrist patch (light morph).

19″ to 24¾″ in length

48″ to 54″ wingspan

Open areas; fields, meadows, bogs, agricultural fields

Early September to mid-May

Mostly small rodents, but also amphibians, small birds, and large insects.

Rough-legged Hawk often faces the wind and hovers while hunting.

Uncommon to common migrant; absent or accidental in summer

The Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union All Seasons Species Occurrence Map

Rough-legged Hawk ...Hovering....

It was pretty far away ... and just kind of hovering or kiting in place like the kestrel do at times. I believe this particular hawk has stayed all winter in this certain region but will soon head north on its long journey to breeding grounds in the Arctic. The only RLHA I seen in that particular area that seemed to remain throughout the winter. This RLHA is the only one I seen throughout a large area but expecting the hawk migration soon so possibly encounter more on their journey north. Interesting and beautiful hawks.

Rough-legged Hawk...

This rough-legged hawk was positioning herself on the end of a large branch of a downed tree.

... a juvenile rough-legged hawk due to ... smudgy/dusky dark tips to the wing and tail feathers. Mature ones have a more defined band there.

Rough-legged Hawk...

Light Morph. I only see this species of hawk during its migration seasons. A few winter over in the area until spring then head back up north to the Arctic where they nest.

Color variations can exist depending whether male or female - light or dark morph phase. Also immature/juvenile vary in color compared to a mature RLHA. Several interesting color variations even in some mature rough-legged hawks. I always look forward to the hawk etc. migrations whether in late fall or spring. It’s a way to see some species that are passing through that otherwise I wouldn’t have the opportunity to.

I’m glad a few winter over too.

Rough-legged Hawk...dark morph...

It stayed around the area a few days and must have moved on since I haven’t seen if since. Neat hawk.

Immature Light Morph Female Rough-legged Hawk....

They seem to be migrating now. The color variations in male, female, juvenile light and dark morph is really interesting. Not sure if they will stay around or just for a few days and move on. I guess time will tell.

Feel really fortunate to see a species of hawk that nests up in the Arctic.

Female Rough-legged Hawk…

later afternoon today in rural Norman Co. A really beautiful hawk.

Rough-legged Hawk....

It lost it’s footage slightly and opened its wings briefly to help get its balance and better footing. Really interesting and awesome hawks.

Perched and alert...

I cropped this one...

All these are just from 4k frame grabs. I seen the hawk a couple times they seem to favor prairie and grassy type areas with a few trees scattered here and there but like areas with a lot of prairie type terrain.

They also seem to like to perch on high line poles at times at least during migration. Late Nov. 2021

Will keep an eye out for any more passing through or possibly even spending winter in an area around Norman Co.

Came across an injured Rough-legged hawk...

There is still a Rough-legged Hawk...

Hanging around the Sandpiper Prairie SNA and to the east of that area. I seen what I believe is the same one in that area in winter and it seemed to stick to that area. I believe it is a mature female.

Rough-legged Hawk...

It was sitting along a gravel road near some grasslands waiting to pounce on either a mouse or gopher it must have seen near a hole.

Pouncing Rough-legged hawk...

Here it is pouncing on its prey. Whatever it was it didn’t succeed at capturing it. It was late in the day and the hawk sat for a little while longer then flew off. Not the best photo but can tell it is a rough-legged hawk.

Rough-legged Hawk...light morph...

This Spring was the first time I had ever seen a Rough-legged Hawk. It wasn’t easy to photograph. My camera is not known for action shooting etc. but couldn’t help but try capture this interesting and beautiful hawk. I read that some winter in Mn. and other northern states. They may be seen from Sept. to May in some areas of Mn. but they nest in the far north arctic regions. Their is a light and dark morph. I believe this is a light morph.

Rough-legged Hawk in flight...

Rough-legged Hawk...

I noticed this hawk recently on and around high line poles out in rural Norman co. Mn. and it caught my attention because of all the white on it. I wondered what kind of hawk it was so looked it up and found it to be a Rough-legged Hawk. Beautiful bird it was.

I understand they do not nest in Mn. but will hang around during winter then head back up north into Canada, Alaska and other more Arctic like areas. I think this is a young one.

Location: over a prairie area in Norman Co. Mn.

It was pretty far away ... and just kind of hovering or kiting in place like the kestrel do at times. I believe this particular hawk has stayed all winter in this certain region but will soon head north on its long journey to breeding grounds in the Arctic. The only RLHA I seen in that particular area that seemed to remain throughout the winter. This RLHA is the only one I seen throughout a large area but expecting the hawk migration soon so possibly encounter more on their journey north. Interesting and beautiful hawks.

Location: rural Norman County, Mn

This rough-legged hawk was positioning herself on the end of a large branch of a downed tree.

... a juvenile rough-legged hawk due to ... smudgy/dusky dark tips to the wing and tail feathers. Mature ones have a more defined band there.

Location: rural Norman County, Mn

It stayed around the area a few days and must have moved on since I haven’t seen if since. Neat hawk.

Location: Rural Norman Co.

They seem to be migrating now. The color variations in male, female, juvenile light and dark morph is really interesting. Not sure if they will stay around or just for a few days and move on. I guess time will tell.

Feel really fortunate to see a species of hawk that nests up in the Arctic.

Location: Rural Norman Co.

later afternoon today in rural Norman Co. A really beautiful hawk.

Location: Rural Norman Co. Mn.

Location: Norman Co., Mn.

Location: rural Norman County, Mn

Light Morph. I only see this species of hawk during its migration seasons. A few winter over in the area until spring then head back up north to the Arctic where they nest.

Color variations can exist depending whether male or female - light or dark morph phase. Also immature/juvenile vary in color compared to a mature RLHA. Several interesting color variations even in some mature rough-legged hawks. I always look forward to the hawk etc. migrations whether in late fall or spring. It’s a way to see some species that are passing through that otherwise I wouldn’t have the opportunity to.

I’m glad a few winter over too.

Location: Norman Co., Mn.

There is still a Rough-legged Hawk... Hanging around the Sandpiper Prairie SNA and to the east of that area. I seen what I believe is the same one in that area in winter and it seemed to stick to that area. I believe it is a mature female.

Location: Norman Co. Mn.

It was sitting along a gravel road near some grasslands waiting to pounce on either a mouse or gopher it must have seen near a hole.

Location: Norman Co. Mn.

In flight over a grassy area

Location: rural Norman Co. Mn.

I noticed this hawk recently on and around high line poles out in rural Norman co. Mn. and it caught my attention because of all the white on it. I wondered what kind of hawk it was so looked it up and found it to be a Rough-legged Hawk. Beautiful bird it was.