Long-legged Buzzard

The Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) is a robust raptor, one of the larger members of the genus Buteo. It is characterized by a relatively large bill, long wings, and a lengthy tail. The species exhibits a variety of plumage morphs, ranging from pale to dark, and is known for its somewhat sluggish demeanor. It often perches in an upright position on exposed vantage points such as rocks, cliffs, or artificial structures like pylons.

Identification Tips

Adult Long-legged Buzzards have very dark brown eyes, with juveniles starting with pale grey to greyish yellow eyes that darken with age. The cere and legs are both a dull yellow. In flight, they present a broad-bodied silhouette with long wings and a rounded tail. The species is highly variable in plumage, with pale, intermediate, rufous, and dark morphs. The pale morph has a creamy rufous to light sandy head, while the dark morph is blackish-brown to black with some whitish streaks on the nape.

Habitat

The Long-legged Buzzard favors open, uncultivated areas with high bushes, trees, cliffs, or hillocks for nesting, as well as access to freshwater. Habitats range from steppe, semi-desert, and desert edges to barren rocky landscapes and dry shrubland. They may also inhabit woodlands with ample clearings and occasionally coastal areas.

Distribution

This species is found across parts of Eurasia and North Africa, from Southeastern Europe to East Africa and the northern Indian subcontinent. It is a resident in many areas but migratory in others, with wintering grounds extending through lower Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Behaviour

Long-legged Buzzards are powerful predators that hunt by pouncing from perches or on the wing. They are known to hover and stoop on prey, often utilizing a variety of habitats for foraging. They may also scavenge for carrion, especially outside the breeding season.

Song & Calls

The Long-legged Buzzard is not particularly vocal, but its calls are shorter and slightly higher than those of the Common Buzzard. The most common call is a short mew, sometimes described as "gull-like."

Breeding

The species nests on cliffs, crags, trees, or artificial structures, with a preference for shaded locations. Clutch size varies, typically with 2 to 4 eggs, and the breeding season can range from March to July, depending on the region.

Similar Species

The Long-legged Buzzard can be confused with the Common Buzzard, especially the steppe subspecies, but differences in size, plumage, and flight characteristics can aid in identification. It may also resemble the Upland Buzzard and Rough-legged Buzzard but can be distinguished by habitat preference and morphological traits.

Diet and Feeding

The diet mainly consists of small mammals such as rodents and a significant number of reptiles. Birds, insects, and other invertebrates are secondary prey types. The Long-legged Buzzard is an opportunistic feeder, adapting its hunting strategy to the available habitat.

Conservation Status

The Long-legged Buzzard is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable and widely distributed population. However, some regional declines have been noted, and it is considered Vulnerable in Europe due to a decrease of over 30% from historical numbers.