The newest member of the education team is a one year old, male rough-legged hawk, named Taiga. He weighs a bit over 2 pounds and was transferred to MRCC from Missoula. This young hawk had a fractured right shoulder and fractured left leg. His shoulder injury prevents him from flying.
Rough-legged hawks breed in the northern tundra lands and visit Montana for the winter. While in Montana, they hunt the open grasslands, or snowlands for small mammals and some birds. Why the name rough-legged? Well, they are one of the few raptors with feathers down to their feet, alongside the golden eagle and the ferruginous hawk. The plumage of rough-legged hawks varies from light to dark, but while in flight you will see dark areas at the wrists from below.
Rough-legged hawks nest in trees or on cliffs, and along with sticks supporting the nest, you may find the occasional caribou bone. Roughies lay between one and seven eggs.
Report an Injured Raptor Quickly!
MRCC:(406) 585-1211
All West Veterinary (Dr. Karyn Cook):
(406) 586-4919
MT Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks:
(406) 994-4042
Montana Raptor Conservation Center