About the Socotra Buzzard
The Socotra buzzard is a medium to large bird of prey that is sometimes considered a subspecies of the widespread common buzzard. As its name implies, it is native to the island of Socotra, Yemen. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, as its small population is believed to be decreasing.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The Socotra buzzard measures 45 cm in length. Adults typically have yellow-white abdomen and breast. They display fine brown streaking on their throat and breast, with the streaking being heavier on breast, abdomen, flanks, and thighs. Certain individuals display a white throat and upper breast. The species exhibits short, compact wings with a length of approximately 358 mm, a tail length of 188.5 mm, and a tarsus length of 65.19 mm. There is little difference in plumage between adults and juveniles, the main difference being in the intensity of the streaking on the underparts Voice: Because only one sonogram has been recorded of B. socotraensis, this behavioural trait has not been considered with regard to its taxonomy. Its call is very similar to other species of the same genus, namely Buteo rufinus, B. buteo, and B. oreophilus . A key identifying characteristic of the species' call is the short period (<1 second) between calls. Its call has a frequency of 2.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in February · a winter visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Ridgway's HawkButeo ridgwayiB. ridgwayi is a medium-sized, compact hawk, measuring 36–41 cm long.
Rufous-tailed HawkButeo ventralisThe rufous-tailed hawk is similar to the red-tailed hawk.
Red-necked BuzzardButeo auguralisThe red-necked buzzard is a medium-sized bird of prey with a distinctive rufous neck, the rufous colour extends up over the crown and down on to the upper back.
Learn the Socotra Buzzard for real
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