rough-legged hawk

The rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus) is a large, circumpolar arctic hawk that winters in more southerly regions. It is characterized by a white tail with a wide black band or bands at the tip. These hawks are known for hovering in the air on beating wings as they search for rodents in tundra, marshes, and fields. The term "roughleg" is also used as a synonym for rough-legged hawk. Hawks, in general, are small to medium-sized birds of prey found on all continents except Antarctica. While often misunderstood, most hawks are beneficial, primarily feeding on small mammals, reptiles, and insects, though some may prey on poultry.123