rough-legged hawk

[ ruhf-leg-id, -legd ]

noun

1. a large hawk, Buteo lagopus, of the Northern Hemisphere, that feeds chiefly on small rodents.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rough-legged hawk¹

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

Example Sentences

It killed two red-tailed hawks, a rough-legged hawk and two bald eagles.

From Washington Post

But they also saw swans, a bald eagle and a rough-legged hawk, which Patla was glad to see.

From Seattle Times

Prosecutors say two bald eagles, two red-tailed hawks and a rough-legged hawk died after feeding on the poisoned sheep in March 2015.

From Washington Times

Rau had started the meter before the census even began: “On the way in, I saw one rough-legged hawk, about 20 horned larks.”

From Washington Times

“We always have the bald eagle, but also have had American kestrels, rough-legged hawk, every kind of owl you can think of, and turkey vultures. They’re temperamental, by the way,” she said.

From Washington Times