Rough-legged Buzzard

The rough-legged buzzard has a nearly Holarctic distribution, breeding in northern North America and Eurasia and moving farther south for winter. It favors open country where it can scan broad areas for prey, including tundra, grasslands, shrublands, riparian country, and agricultural fields. Trees and rocky cliffs overlooking feeding areas provide nest sites. Adults measure 46–59 cm, span 122–143 cm, and weigh 745–1,380 g. Females are generally larger, and both light and dark plumage forms occur. (Animal Diversity Web)

This buzzard hunts by watching from an elevated perch or soaring over open ground before diving onto prey with its talons. Mice and other small mammals dominate the diet, supplemented by shrews, squirrels, prairie dogs, birds, and reptiles. Pairs are monogamous and jointly build large cliff or tree nests from twigs, grass, feathers, and animal fur. A clutch contains two to seven eggs, averaging four. The female incubates them for at least 31 days while the male supplies food. (Animal Diversity Web)