Bird of the week – Forest buzzard

An uncommon endemic resident, possibly a threatened species.

They are found discontinuously in forest patches from South West Cape to Ethiopia more montane forests in KZN northwards. They like the edge of indigenous and exotic forests especially pine and eucalyptus plantations.

These buzzards are solitary or in pairs, unobtrusive except when soaring over forest or nearby cliffs or when calling. Hunting usually from their perch both in open at forest edge or inside forest they drop onto their prey. Food preference being small rodents, golden moles, lizards, snakes, small birds, frogs insects and scorpions.

The call is a clear mewing, drawn out keee – oo or keee – he – he – he or whistling tzeee. Breeding takes place from September to October. The nest is a stick platform lined with green leaves, lichen and pine needles. Two to three pale green eggs with brown rusty spots and blotches are laid.

Incubation period is unrecorded. They are nestlings for about 50 days and independent at 80 to 130 days.

No tribal name recorded and in Afrikaans die bosjakkalsvoel.

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