Jackal Buzzard
Buteo rufofuscus
The Jackal Buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus) is a uncommon kites, old world vultures, eagles, and hawk found in 8 countries, weighing about 1.5 kg. The jackal buzzard is a fairly large African bird of prey.
About the Jackal Buzzard
The jackal buzzard is a fairly large African bird of prey. The taxonomy of this species has caused some confusion in the past and it almost certainly belongs in a species complex with other African Buteo species. Some taxonomists have considered this species, the Archer's buzzard, and the augur buzzard to be the same superspecies. Many taxonomists consider them all to be distinct, having different calls, different home ranges and variations in plumage. The species is resident and non-migratory throughout its range.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The jackal buzzard is one of the two larger Buteo species native to Africa, alongside its close cousin, the augur buzzard. Adults may measure 44 to 60 cm (17 to 24 in) in total length. In weight, one survey found 55 unsexed birds to weight from 790 to 1,370 g (1.74 to 3.02 lb) while another found seven males to weigh from 865 to 1,080 g (1.907 to 2.381 lb) and eleven females to weigh from 1,150 to 1,700 g (2.54 to 3.75 lb). Another female also weighed approximately 1,700 g (3.7 lb), making this one of the more massive Buteo species in the world.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Zimbabwe.
When to see it
The Jackal Buzzard can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Jackal Buzzard?
- The jackal buzzard is one of the two larger Buteo species native to Africa, alongside its close cousin, the augur buzzard. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Jackal Buzzard?
- The Jackal Buzzard is a huge sized bird weighing about 1.5 kg.
- Where can you see a Jackal Buzzard?
- The Jackal Buzzard occurs in 8 countries, including South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia and Uganda.
- What birds look similar to a Jackal Buzzard?
- The Jackal Buzzard is most easily confused with the Long-legged Buzzard, the Zone-tailed Hawk and the Eastern Buzzard.
- Is the Jackal Buzzard endangered?
- The Jackal Buzzard is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Jackal Buzzard for real
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