Birds and wildlife

Rough-legged Buzzard

Buteo lagopusGroup: Kites, hawks and eaglesUK Conservation status:Not assessed

How to identify

A bird of prey very similar to the much more common Buzzard, though only a small number spend winter in the UK. It has the habit of 'hanging' in the air while looking for prey, hovering much more often than Common Buzzards. Key features include the black-tipped white tail, paler appearance than most Common Buzzards, longer wings and paler head. Beware of pale Common Buzzards, they're a hugely variable species. A close view will reveal the heavily feathered legs that give this bird its name.

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Key facts