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Columbia County Tourism.com
MacKenzie Center |
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Columbia County Tourism.com
MacKenzie Center |
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Wildlife at the MacKenzie Center |
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Rough-Legged Hawk Buteo lagopus Description: Rough-legged hawks come in a confusing array of colors. These hawks may be all brown, brown and white or even black. All rough-legs have a white band at the base of the tail feathers. The name of this bird comes from the feathers which extend all the way down its legs. These feathers provide it with extra insulation, an adaptation to its cold habitat. Habitat: Rough-legs breed and nest in the Arctic tundra. They migrate south into Wisconsin and other areas in the fall and are a fairly common winter migrant. Diet: These hawks feed mostly on mice while they spend the winter in Wisconsin. In the Arctic they feed on lemmings, pocket gophers and caterpillars. Habits: The rough-leg searches for food only a few feet above the ground, often hunting at dusk.. Rough-legs have also been seen hovering, much as a kestrel does, while looking for prey. They will sometimes sit on a low perch and wait for an animal to show itself. Rough-legs and People: Generally this hawk leaves for its Arctic nesting grounds in March or April. All hawks and owls are protected. |
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