Rough-legged Hawk
Buteo lagopus
A large hawk from the Arctic tundra that visits the Okanagan in winter, hovering over open fields hunting for voles. One of the few hawks to regularly hover in place.
Field Note
Rough-legged Hawks nest on Arctic cliffs and tundra all summer, then fly thousands of kilometres south to winter in places like the Okanagan Valley — arriving when most other hawks have already left.
Where to Spot It at ABNC
Open fields and grasslands in late fall and winter. Watch for a large hawk hovering over a field, or perched on a tall post or powerline on cold days.
Why It Matters
Rough-legged Hawks are important predators of voles and other small mammals in open grasslands. Their winter abundance closely tracks vole population cycles.
Good to Know
The Rough-legged Hawk travels all the way from the Arctic to spend winter here! It's one of the only large hawks that can hover in the air like a helicopter while searching for mice below.