rough-legged hawk
Noun: A large bird of prey (hawk) found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. It is characterized by feathers covering its legs down to its feet. Its diet consists mainly of small rodents like mice and voles, and it is considered helpful to farmers because it controls these pest populations.
The term "rough-legged hawk" is used specifically to name this species of hawk. It is a compound noun. When using it, treat it as a single unit referring to the bird. * The rough-legged hawk circled high above the open field, searching for movement below. * Birdwatchers travel north in the winter to catch a glimpse of the rough-legged hawk.
- The name "rough-legged" directly describes the bird's distinguishing physical feature: its legs are covered with feathers that give them a rough or shaggy appearance compared to the smooth, scaled legs of many other hawks.
- In scientific and birding contexts, its behavior is often discussed in relation to its hunting grounds, typically favoring open areas like marshes, prairies, and tundra.
- Rough-legged Buzzard: The common name for this species in Europe and Asia.
- Buteo lagopus: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
- Rough-legged Buzzard (regional synonym)
The term "rough-legged hawk" has only one meaning: it refers specifically to this single species of hawk (Buteo lagopus). It is not used figuratively.
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs using "rough-legged hawk." It is a specific ornithological term.
- large hawk of the northern hemisphere that feeds chiefly on small rodents and is beneficial to farmers