FOREST BUZZARD

FOREST BUZZARD

Buteo trizonatus

afrikaans: Bosjakkalsvoёl

Image

45–50 cm; 510–700 g; wingspan 1.05–1.25 m

Description

Slightly smaller and more slender than Common Buzzard; most are whiter below, with irregular brown blotches (not bars) on the thighs, flanks and sides of breast. Greater and median underwing coverts typically are paler than those of Common Buzzard, making underwing coverts appear less distinct from flight feathers. Sexes alike. Juv. like ad., but underparts typically are more heavily marked, often with tear-shaped flank streaks. Smaller and whiter than juv. Common Buzzard; eye brown (not yellowish).

Voice

Most vocal at the start of the br. season, a shrill ‘peeoo’; recently fledged juvs are vocal when begging for food from their parents.

Status and biology

NEAR-THREATENED. Endemic, locally common resident in forests and plantations, with some seasonal movement from s Cape to mountains in ne S Africa. Occurs singly or in br. pairs. Typically hunts for prey (rodents, birds, reptiles, etc.) from perches along forest edges.