The Rough-legged Buzzard builds a stick nest on a cliff ledge, on a mountain crag or in a lower tree. The female usually lays 2–5 eggs, which are incubated for about 30–32 days. Clutch size is strongly governed by rodent availability: rich vole years produce large clutches and high numbers of young, while poor years can lead to breeding failing altogether. Both parents take part in raising the young.