Buteo lagopus (Pontoppidan, 1763) · myšiak severský · Rough-legged Buzzard

Distribution

Rough-legged Buzzard breeds in Arctic and subarctic Eurasia and North America and moves south to open country for winter. In Slovakia it is a regular but numerically variable winter visitor and migrant, mainly from autumn to spring. It does not breed locally; numbers and stay duration differ among winters with snow and small-mammal availability.

Habitat

It favours extensive fields, meadows, fallows and open basins, hunting by hovering or watching from elevated places. Native habitats include tundra and open taiga rather than continuous dense forest.

Breeding

Northern nests are mainly on rock outcrops or slopes, sometimes trees. Clutch size varies with food. Adults incubate and supply chicks through the short northern summer.

Food

It mainly takes voles and lemmings, also birds and other small animals. Slovak wintering requires access to prey beneath low vegetation.

Interesting fact

Feathered legs suit cold conditions and explain the name lagopus. A pale tail with a dark terminal band and dark carpal patches aid identification.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia · Raptor Protection of Slovakia: winter census 2026