Gould and Wolf saw the Rough-legged Buzzard during their visit to Dovrefjeld, Norway. 'In Norway [it] will be found among the bleak open moorlands, hunting the mountain-sides for hares, lemmings, moles, etc. and, when not on the wing, sitting on a large stone in the middle of the moor, watching the Ptarmigan and Willow-grouse, upon which it makes a stoop.'

Wolf illustrated 'a very dark and unusually-coloured specimen' about two-thirds lifesize.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds in northern Eurasia and northern North America. Winters from British Isles, northern Europe, central Russia, southern Siberia, south-central Alaska and south Canada south to southern Europe, north China, Japan and southern United States. Winter visitor to Britain