Description
This fairly large raptorial species is 46–60 cm (18–24 in) with wingspan ranging from 120 to 153 cm (47 to 60 in). Individuals can weigh from 600 to 1,660 g (1.3 to 3.7 lb) with females typically being larger and heavier than males. Among standard measurements in adults, the wing chord is 39.2–48.3 cm (15.4–19.0 in), the tail is 20.1–25.5 cm (7.9–10.0 in), culmen is 3.2–4.5 cm (1.3–1.8 in) and the tarsus is 5.8–7.8 cm (2.3–3.1 in). The plumage is predominantly brown in colour and often shows a high degree of speckling. A wide variety of plumage patterns are exhibited in light vs. dark morphs, males vs. females and adults vs. juveniles. Extensive field experience is required to distinguish between certain plumage variations. Compared to its more common cousins, the Common Buzzard and the Red-tailed Hawk, it is slightly larger, though may be outweighed by the latter.
Its feet are feathered to the toes (hence its scientific name, lagopus, meaning "hare-footed") as an adaptation to its arctic home range. Lagopus is derived from Ancient Greek lago (λαγως), meaning "hare", and pous (πους), meaning "foot". Its talons are relatively small, reflecting their preferred choice of prey. A broad brown chestband is present in most plumages and a square dark carpal patch contrasting with the white under-wing is an easily identifiable characteristic in light morph individuals. The species exhibits a wide variety of plumage patterns including light and dark morphs.
Distinguishing characteristics in all plumages include long white tail feathers with one or more dark subterminal bands. The wing tips are long enough to reach or extend past the tail when the animal is perched. The Common Buzzard can be similar-looking, with a similar long-tailed shape and can be notoriously variable in plumage. The Rough-legged is longer-winged and more eagle-like in appearance. The Red-tailed Hawk is chunkier-looking and differs in its darker head, broader, shorter wings, barring on the wings and the tail, dark leading edge to the wings (rather than black wrist patch) and has no white base to the tail. The Ferruginous Hawk is larger, with a bigger, more prominent bill and has a whitish comma at the wrist and all-pale tail.
It is the only hawk of its size (other than the very different-looking Osprey) to regularly hover over one spot, by beating its wings quickly.
Read more about this topic: Rough-legged Buzzard
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