Rough-legged Hawk Watching in Oregon

The Rough-legged Hawk, which is known as the Rough-legged Buzzard in Europe and Asia, is sometimes seen in Oregon, but only during winter time. Their summer breeding grounds are in northern Canada and Alaska, and in winter they are spread out fairly equally through the United States. They are normally between 20 and 25 inches long as adults, and they are one of the few hawks to have feathers all the way down to their feet, which is where their name comes from.Rough-legged Hawks are birds of prey, primarily feeding on small land animals and occasionally other birds. They build nests high on cliffs when possible, and when hunting they find a high perch with a good view over the open space below. They are also one of the few birds who frequently hover while hunting, so this is one of the easier ways of identifying them.

Habitats for Rough-legged Hawks

Though not in great numbers, Rough-legged Hawks find sustainable habitats in parts of Oregon. They prefer to live on cliffs and in trees that are near open grasslands, rather than dense forest areas.

Best seasons to see Rough-legged Hawks in Oregon

These birds spend most of the year at least 1,000 miles north of Oregon, and are only seen in the state during winter.

Rough-legged Hawks in Oregon summary

Typical habitat: Cliffs and trees near open grasslands
Seasons: Winter
Abundance: Considered rare in Oregon

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