Jackal Buzzard

About the Jackal Buzzard

The jackal buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus) is a fairly large African bird of prey. The taxonomy of this species has caused some confusion in the past and it almost certainly belongs in a species complex with other African Buteo species. Some taxonomists have considered this species, the Archer's buzzard (Buteo archeri), and the augur buzzard (Buteo augur) to be the same superspecies. Many taxonomists consider them all to be distinct, having different calls, different home ranges and variations in plumage. The species is resident and non-migratory throughout its range.

The jackal buzzard is one of the two larger Buteo species native to Africa, alongside its close cousin, the augur buzzard. Adults may measure 44 to 60 cm (17 to 24 in) in total length. In weight, one survey found 55 unsexed birds to weight from 790 to 1,370 g (1.74 to 3.02 lb) while another found seven males to weigh from 865 to 1,080 g (1.907 to 2.381 lb) and eleven females to weigh from 1,150 to 1,700 g (2.54 to 3.75 lb). Another female also weighed approximately 1,700 g (3.7 lb), making this one of the more massive Buteo species in the world. Eighteen jackal buzzards were found to have averaged 1,059.4... Wikipedia →