Jackal Buzzard

The Jackal Buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus) is a robust African bird of prey, notable for its size and striking plumage. It is one of the larger members of the Buteo genus found on the continent, sharing this distinction with the closely related Augur Buzzard. Adult Jackal Buzzards exhibit a bold contrast of blackish and rufous colors, with a rufous tail and a black abdomen marked by faint white bars. The underwing coverts are rich rufous, while the flight feathers display a prominent white panel against black. This species is characterized by a short tail, broad wings, and a substantial bill.

Identification Tips

To identify the Jackal Buzzard, look for its almost black upperparts and rufous tail. The underparts are a rich rufous, except for the black abdomen. In flight, the large white panel on the underwing is a key distinguishing feature. Juveniles are mainly brown above with rufous-buff below, and their tail is buff-brown, sometimes with a pale tip. The Jackal Buzzard's call is a sharp, barking "weeah ka-ka-ka" or "kyaahh-ka-ka-ka," deeper in females than males.

Habitat

The Jackal Buzzard is predominantly a mountain dweller, but it can also be found in adjacent savanna and grassland areas. It thrives in both arid conditions and regions with high rainfall, often preferring proximity to grasslands for hunting.

Distribution

This species is endemic to southern Africa, commonly found throughout most of South Africa, extending west to central Namibia, east through Lesotho and Eswatini, into southern Mozambique, and to the southeast in Botswana.

Behaviour

Jackal Buzzards are known for their noisy aerial displays, which are less dramatic than those of the Augur Buzzard. They are resident and non-migratory, often seen circling or stooping gently over their territory. Breeding season peaks from July to December, with pairs reusing and enlarging their large stick nests in trees or on crags.

Breeding

The Jackal Buzzard lays two creamy or bluish-white eggs, occasionally three, which are incubated solely by the female. The eggs hatch in about 40 days, and fledglings attempt flight after 56-60 days. Siblicide is reported, but two fledglings are often produced when food is abundant.

Diet and Feeding

The diet is primarily small ground mammals, particularly rodents. It also includes snakes, lizards, ground-feeding birds, insects, and roadkill. The Jackal Buzzard typically hunts from a perch, dropping onto prey on bare ground, and may also soar or hover to locate food. It shifts to a carrion-based diet outside the breeding season.

Conservation status

The Jackal Buzzard is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it faces threats from man-made structures like wind turbines and power lines, as well as poisoning aimed at other species such as jackals.