This big hawk (about 53 cm, 21 in long) of the open country is identified by a wide black belly band, a broad dark band on the white tail and black patches at the bend of the out-stretched wing. The head and underparts are a creamy-white streaked with brownish-black feathers and the back and wings are slightly darker. The name "rough-legged" refers to the feathers which cover the legs to the base of the toes. Like most hawks, a darkly colored form of the rough-legged hawk also exists.

This hawk does not nest in Alberta but migrates through the province, to and from its nesting grounds in the Arctic. Occasionally this bird spends the winter in parts of the province if the weather is mild, but most of these hawks migrate to the United States.

Nests are built in trees, on cliffs, or on the ground. Moss is often used as a lining for the nest which contains 2 to 5 eggs.

One of the most recognizable traits of this hawk is the way it hovers over one spot in search of food. Mice, ground squirrels, rabbits and other small game are the basic food of the rough-legged hawk. Carrion is also eaten.

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