1 2012 Jan 18 Mystery Bird & Grouse

Hi Dwayne:<br />
<br />
As suspected, the bird is a diurnal bird of prey, likely one of the Buteos. Which one, though is the question. It obviously has a plumage problem, lacking the normal melanin pigment - a condition usually called Leucism.<br />
<br />
Because it is wintertime, there are not too many Buteo species present right now. The rounded head eliminates most such species; the tiny bill adds to that. Its wingtips appear to extend at least as far as the end of its tail. I also note that it is perched on the topmost twigs. Taking all these factors in account, I conclude that you have found is a leucistic Rough-legged Hawk.<br />
<br />
Rough-legged Hawks are a species that breeds in the tundra, above the tree-line. They usually come south in the autumn, most passing through S. AB., going as far as the S. USA. This year, they seem to be here in a higher number than usual. <br />
<br />
Now that we have snow on the ground, the white colour (or lack of it), may allow it to be a more successful hunter of meadow voles, etc. However, it wouldn't be absorbing any heat from the sun, so may be feeling the cold temperatures more than its normally-plumaged kin.<br />
<br />
Thanks for sharing.<br />
<br />
Gus.

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Hi Dwayne:

As suspected, the bird is a diurnal bird of prey, likely one of the Buteos. Which one, though is the question. It obviously has a plumage problem, lacking the normal melanin pigment - a condition usually called Leucism.

Because it is wintertime, there are not too many Buteo species present right now. The rounded head eliminates most such species; the tiny bill adds to that. Its wingtips appear to extend at least as far as the end of its tail. I also note that it is perched on the topmost twigs. Taking all these factors in account, I conclude that you have found is a leucistic Rough-legged Hawk.

Rough-legged Hawks are a species that breeds in the tundra, above the tree-line. They usually come south in the autumn, most passing through S. AB., going as far as the S. USA. This year, they seem to be here in a higher number than usual.

Now that we have snow on the ground, the white colour (or lack of it), may allow it to be a more successful hunter of meadow voles, etc. However, it wouldn't be absorbing any heat from the sun, so may be feeling the cold temperatures more than its normally-plumaged kin.

Thanks for sharing.

Gus.

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