Any one of several species of large hawks of the genus
Archibuteo, having the legs feathered to the toes. Called also
rough-legged hawk, and
rough-legged buzzard. [
1913 Webster]
" The best known species is Archibuteo lagopus of Northern Europe, with its darker American variety (Sancti-johannis). The latter is often nearly or quite black. The ferruginous roughleg (Archibuteo ferrugineus) inhabits Western North America."
[1913 Webster]