Lizard Buzzard

The Lizard Buzzard, or Lizard Hawk, is a compact bird of prey, with a body length ranging from 35 to 37 centimeters and a wingspan of approximately 79 centimeters. Males average a weight of 246 grams, while females are slightly heavier at 304 grams. This raptor is characterized by its grey upperparts, head, and breast, and a distinctive vertical black line on its white throat, setting it apart from other raptors. The belly is white with fine dark barring, and the underwings are white with dark tips. Its tail is black with a white tip and a single white band. The eyes of the Lizard Buzzard are a dark reddish-brown to black, and the cere and legs are a vibrant red to orange-red. Both sexes appear similar, and the flight pattern is undulating, akin to that of a thrush. Juveniles resemble adults but have a slight brown tinge to the wings and an orange-yellow cere and legs.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Lizard Buzzard, look for the unique black stripe on the white throat, which is a key distinguishing feature. The bird's stocky build, grey upperparts, and barred belly are also indicative. In flight, observe the undulating pattern and the white band on the otherwise black tail.

Habitat

The Lizard Buzzard favors moist dense savannah woodlands, particularly miombo woodlands, as well as forest edges and the wooded margins of rivers. During the winter, it may also be found in arid thornbush savannah areas.

Distribution

This species is native to Sub-Saharan Africa, with a range extending from Eritrea to northeastern South Africa. It is commonly seen in West Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and northeastern regions of Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.

Behaviour

Lizard Buzzards are solitary and typically silent, except during the early breeding season when they emit a clear, melodious whistle. They are locally resident and exhibit dominance over their territory, engaging in limited soaring flight mainly during courtship displays or occasionally in the late morning outside of the breeding season.

Song & Calls

The call of the Lizard Buzzard is a distinctive klu-klu-klu whistle, most often heard during the breeding season.

Breeding

Breeding takes place from September to November. Lizard Buzzards are monogamous, forming pair bonds that may last for life. Both sexes contribute to nest building, which is a compact structure of sticks located in the sub-canopy of trees. The nests are lined with dry grass, green leaves, or lichen. Clutch size ranges from one to three white eggs, incubated by the female for 32 to 34 days. Both parents feed the chicks, which gain full independence at around 90 days.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Lizard Buzzard consists of invertebrates, reptiles, and mammals. Grasshoppers and termites are the most common prey by number, while rodents are most frequent by biomass. Reptiles, particularly Mabuya and Agama lizards, as well as frogs and snakes, are also favored. They hunt from perches and swoop or glide onto prey in the grass, rarely capturing prey in flight.

Conservation status

The Lizard Buzzard is classified as Least Concern due to its large range and stable population trend. However, raptor populations in Africa, particularly in West and Southern Africa, have experienced declines due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other human-related factors. While some raptor species have adapted to human-altered landscapes, the impact on the Lizard Buzzard's population is not fully understood, and its adaptation to the loss of woodland habitat remains unclear.