About the Long-legged Buzzard
The long-legged buzzard is a bird of prey found widely in several parts of Eurasia and in North Africa. This species ranges from Southeastern Europe down to East Africa to the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. The long-legged buzzard is a member of the genus Buteo, being one of the larger species therein. This species is simultaneously considered relatively powerful and aggressive for its taxonomic group as well as a relatively sluggish raptor overall. Like most buzzards, it prefers small mammals such as rodents, including gerbils, ground squirrels, voles and rats, also taking reptiles, birds and insects as well as carrion. Adaptable to a variety of habitats, long-legged buzzards…
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ID tip
Paler individuals of the long-legged buzzard are typically reasonably distinctive but their highly variable plumage leads to mistaken identity. The main confusion is with the even more variable common buzzard (Buteo buteo), principally of the steppe subspecies, which breeds and migrates in often similar areas. Steppe buzzards are told apart by various features of plumage, i.e. Voice: The long-legged buzzard's voice is not well studied nor is it believed to be particularly vocal. The species is known to sometimes calls on display but it is less vocal than common buzzard. The call is similar to the latter species but the notes are shorter and slightly higher. The long-legged buzzard's commonest call is a short mew.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Norway, Netherlands, Finland, Portugal, United States, Switzerland, Djibouti, South Africa, Uganda, Slovenia.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Jackal BuzzardButeo rufofuscusThe jackal buzzard is one of the two larger Buteo species native to Africa, alongside its close cousin, the augur buzzard.
Eastern BuzzardButeo japonicusThe eastern buzzard or Japanese buzzard is a medium to large bird of prey that is sometimes considered a subspecies of the widespread common buzzard.
Zone-tailed HawkButeo albonotatusThe zone-tailed hawk is a fairly large but slender Buteo hawk.
Learn the Long-legged Buzzard for real
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