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The rough-legged hawk -- named because its legs are feathered to the toes -- is a high-Arctic breeder that migrates south in the winter. This juvenile bird, with pale eyes and dark belly, was photographed in southern California -- quite a bit south of the typical winter range. Adult rough-legs typically have mottled brown plumage and a pale head (there is also a rare dark morph). They can be recognized by their white tails with dark bands (one subterminal band in females, several bands in males), feathered legs, and broader, more rounded wings than the other North American buteo with feathered legs, the ferruginous hawk. From underneath, the pale primary and secondary feathers with dark tips, and the squarish dark 'wrists', are helpful field marks. Rodent specialists, rough-legs have small bills and feet, which gives them a mild look compared to other big hawks (to me, at least). They are open-country birds that often hover like giant kestrels. |
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