Kloof Conservancy

This week we review one of the many beautiful raptors found in the Highway area. As with most raptors identification is challenging to non-experts and to identify the Jackal Buzzard it is best spotted in flight or by hearing its distinctive yelp-like call.

Also read: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – The Egyptian Goose

Description

This is a relatively large (50cm tall, 1.34kg weight and an average wingspan of 1.3m) and stocky raptor. The upperparts are blackish and the chest is reddish-brown with mottled black or dark grey and white underparts. In flight the underwings are distinctive with black on the forewings and white on the rest of the wing. The rufous fan-shaped tail is also noticeable in flight.

Females are noticeably larger than males and their wingspans can reach up to 1.44m

Distribution

The Jackal Buzzard is found throughout South Africa and although it does occur in the Highway area it is not often seen and is more common in higher areas.

Habitat

This raptor is quite adaptable but prefers hilly or mountainous regions but it also frequents grassland and open woodland areas.

Feeding

The Jackal Buzzard preys on small mammals such as moles or rodents, birds and occasionally reptiles. It hunts while in flight often appearing to be stationary in the air as it hovers in search of prey.

Breeding

It is mainly a monogamous species, and both adults build the nest which is usually a platform of sticks placed on a cliff edge. They also nest in tall trees where these are available. They mostly rear two chicks which are fed by the adults for approximately 35 days before they learn to feed themselves.

Predators and threats

The population numbers appear to be reasonably healthy, and this species is not under threat and is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The relatively recent introduction of Wind Farms in South Africa is a cause of concern as the Jackal Buzzard is one of the most frequently killed raptors at these installations.

Local information

This is generally a solitary species and seldom seen in pairs or groups. You are most likely to spot it along the Highway escarpment edges. It is often spotted on old telephone or powerline poles.

Interesting facts

The name “Jackal Buzzard” comes from this raptor’s call which sounds like a Jackal calling or yelping – a distinctive, somewhat harsh “kaaaa-haa-haa”

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here