Distinguishing characteristics in all (very varied) plumages include long white tail feathers with one or more dark subterminal bands and in light morph individuals a square dark carpal patch contrasting with the white under-wing.
Rough-legged Buzzard hovers regularly, much more than the Eurasian Buzzard.
In western Europe, it is only seen in winter.
It breeds in tundra and taiga habitats.
Its feet are feathered to the toes (hence the name) as an adaptation to its arctic home range.

Almere, The Netherlands, 17 January 2012