Least Concern Birds

Jackal Hawk

Buteo rufofuscus

Jackal Hawk is a raptor in African mountains and savannas hunting small prey.

Scientific name	Buteo rufofuscus
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Accipitridae
Size	Male: body length approximately 52-60 cm, weight about 1.1-1.4 kg; female: slightly larger, weight about 1.3-1.7 kg

See this species in the app

How to identify

Plumage sharply divided black and white, with a distinct black banded pattern on the chest; tail white with black horizontal bars; broad wings with conspicuous white underwing in flight; large head, strong beak; yellow eyes.

Habitat

Open mountainous areas, rocky zones, sparse tree savannas and shrublands

Diet

Carnivorous, mainly preys on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects; occasionally feeds on carrion

When it is active

Diurnal, primarily active during the day, especially in the morning and afternoon

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe; less common in Kenya and the Masai Mara region

How to spot it

Observe in open mountainous or rocky areas at dawn or dusk, use binoculars to view flight posture and plumage characteristics

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture details in flight, pay attention to light angles to highlight the black and white plumage contrast; photograph at habitat edges during feeding or resting

Threats

Habitat destruction and disturbance from human activities; occasionally hunted or killed accidentally

Similar species

Similar to the common buzzard (Buteo buteo), but the jackal buzzard is darker with more distinct chest markings; distinguished from the black eagle mainly by the white bands on the tail and the strong plumage contrast

📖 how to spot the jackal hawk on safari