Eurasian Goshawk vs Rough-legged Buzzard

In short

The Eurasian Goshawk and Rough-legged Buzzard can be distinguished by their structure and habitat preferences. The Goshawk is a robust, forest-dwelling raptor with a distinctive broad chest and long tail, while the Rough-legged Buzzard is a more slender, open-country bird with feathered legs and a hovering hunting style.

Identification tips

1. Structure: Look for the Goshawk's broad chest and long tail versus the Buzzard's slender build and feathered legs. 2. Habitat: Note the environment; Goshawks are in forests, Buzzards in open areas. 3. Behavior: Observe flight style; Goshawks dart through trees, Buzzards hover in open spaces.

Size

The Eurasian Goshawk is generally larger and more robust than the Rough-legged Buzzard, with a broader chest and longer tail.

Plumage

The Goshawk has a more uniform gray plumage with a distinct white supercilium, while the Rough-legged Buzzard shows more variation, from light to dark morphs, and features feathered legs.

Behaviour

Goshawks are agile fliers in wooded areas, often seen darting through trees, whereas Rough-legged Buzzards are known for hovering in open landscapes.

Habitat

Eurasian Goshawks prefer dense forests, while Rough-legged Buzzards are found in open tundra and taiga regions, often migrating to open fields in winter.