Lizard Buzzard
Kaupifalco monogrammicus
Silhouette: Sheatherius · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderAccipitriformes (Hawks, Eagles, Kites, and Allies)
- FamilyAccipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
- GenusKaupifalco (Lizard Buzzards)
- SpeciesKaupifalco monogrammicus (Lizard Buzzard)
About the Lizard Buzzard
The lizard buzzard (Kaupifalco monogrammicus), or lizard hawk, is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is the only species placed in the genus Kaupifalco. It is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its name, it may be more closely related to the Accipiter hawks than the Buteo buzzards.
Molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed that the lizard buzzard is not closely related to Buteo buzzards but rather to Accipiter hawks. This extends to morphological associations, e.g. the lizard buzzard has pointed and fairly short wings. Despite the lizard buzzard inhabiting Africa, phylogenetic evidence indicates that its closest relatives are the two Microspizias hawks of Central and South America.
The lizard buzzard is a smallish stocky raptor with a total body length of 35–37 cm and a wingspan of about 79 cm. Males weigh 246 g, females 304 g on average. The upperparts, head and breast are grey. There is a vertical black line on the white throat, which distinguishes this species from all other raptors. The belly is white with fine dark barring. The underwings are white with dark tips. The tail is black with a white tip and a single white band. The eyes... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Lizard Buzzard in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Augur Buzzard
Buteo augur
African Harrier-Hawk
Polyboroides typus
Mountain Buzzard
Buteo oreophilus
Crowned Eagle
Stephanoaetus coronatus
Long-crested Eagle
Lophaetus occipitalis
Black Kite
Milvus migrans
Cassin's Hawk-Eagle
Aquila africana
Palmnut Vulture
Gypohierax angolensis
Common Buzzard
Buteo buteo
Ayres's Hawk-Eagle
Hieraaetus ayresii
Wahlberg's Eagle
Hieraaetus wahlbergi
Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk
Accipiter rufiventris
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Lizard Buzzard in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Lizard Buzzard sighting in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, based on 55 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Lizard Buzzard in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
December has the highest sighting rate for Lizard Buzzard in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in our monthly data.