Overview
High above Tanzania’s hills and mountain slopes, the Augur buzzard circles on broad wings, scanning the ground below. Its bold black-and-white plumage and rich reddish tail make the adult one of East Africa’s most distinctive birds of prey.
Augur buzzards favour open landscapes where they can hunt from the air or from prominent perches such as trees, rocks and roadside poles. Once prey is spotted, the bird drops rapidly towards the ground, using its strong feet and talons to seize rodents, reptiles, birds and other small animals.
Although particularly associated with highlands and mountainous country, the species is adaptable and occurs across a wide range of open habitats. It is largely resident, with established adults often remaining within the same territory throughout the year.
Behaviour & How to Identify
Look for a broad-winged raptor with dark upperparts, pale or white underparts and a striking reddish tail. The contrast is especially obvious when the bird is soaring overhead. Some individuals occur in a darker colour form, with much of the underbody appearing dark rather than white.
Adults have yellow legs and feet and a dark-tipped hooked bill. Juveniles are browner and more streaked, lacking the clean black, white and reddish colouring of mature birds. Their adult plumage develops gradually as they age.
Augur buzzards hunt by watching from a perch, soaring over open ground or briefly hovering into the wind. Their excellent eyesight allows them to detect small prey from a considerable distance.
Interesting facts
The reddish tail is one of the best identification features. It can be visible even at a distance when an adult turns or banks in flight.
Not every Augur buzzard has a white underside. A dark colour form occurs in which much of the normally pale plumage is replaced by dark brown or blackish feathers.
Their nests may be used repeatedly. Pairs build substantial stick nests on cliffs, in tall trees or occasionally on artificial structures, adding new material in later breeding seasons.