Least Concern Birds

Eurasian Buzzard

Buteo buteo

Eurasian Buzzard is a raptor hunting small mammals and reptiles in African grasslands and farms.

Scientific name	Buteo buteo
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Falconiformes
Family	Accipitridae
Size	Male: 0.5-0.9 kg; Female: 0.6-1.1 kg

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How to identify

Medium-sized, broad wingspan; tail relatively long with distinct transverse bands; plumage variable, typically brown on back and pale with spots on belly; wings form a broad triangle in flight; head small with short hooked beak

Habitat

Open grasslands, sparse woodland savannas, edges of farmland, and semi-arid areas

Diet

Carnivorous, primarily preys on small mammals, reptiles, insects, and small birds

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk

Where it lives

Mainly distributed across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and northern and eastern Africa, including Kenya and the Masai Mara region

How to spot it

Look for them in open grasslands or sparse savannas at dawn or dusk, paying attention to tail and wing shape during flight

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture flight poses, choose well-lit times, and keep the background simple to highlight the bird

Threats

Habitat destruction, pesticide pollution, and human disturbance

Similar species

African Buzzard (Buteo oreophilus), similar size but more restricted to mountainous areas; Long-legged Buzzard (Aquila rapax), larger size with wider wingspan.

📖 how to spot the eurasian buzzard on safari