The RSPB: Rough-legged buzzard

Conservation status: Introduced

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 regularly than common buzzards. Key features include the black-tipped white tail, paler appearance than common buzzard, longer wings and paler head. Beware of pale common buzzards - a nororiously variable species. A close view will reveal the heavily feathered legs that give this bird its name.

Overview

Latin name

Buteo lagopus

Family

Hawks, vultures and eagles (Accipitridae)

Where to see them

Only a handful of birds come to the UK each year, mainly to locations on the east coast. Coastal marshes and farmland are favoured. Occasional larger influxes occur, following good breeding success by the birds and then a food shortage in Scandinavia.

When to see them

Birds arrive in the UK from October and stay until spring.

What they eat

Mammals, including rabbits and voles. On the breeding grounds, lemmings are a staple food.

Population

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	-	Between 10 and 150 (in influx years)	Between 10 and 150 (in influx years)

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

In the UK: Norfolk, Kent, Yorkshire and Northumberland are among the most-favoured favoured counties for the small number of wintering birds in an average year. In influx years, they can be more widespread and young birds can set up territory anywhere with suitable food and habitat.