Mountain Buzzard

Overview

The Buteo oreophilus is a small bird of prey residing in the montane forests of East Africa. It was previously classified as a single species with the Buteo trizonatus of southern Africa, though both are now recognised as distinct taxa.

Identification

• Brown upperparts with paler underparts featuring heavy brown blotches on the breast, belly, flanks and underwing coverts.
• A distinct black band marks the rear edge of the wing, while the tail displays faint narrow bars that are broadest just before the tip.
• Adults exhibit heavier markings than juveniles, which appear buffier below.

Habitat

Found in mountainous regions of eastern Africa, ranging from Ethiopia westward through Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Rwanda to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and southwards into Tanzania, Burundi and Malawi. It inhabits montane forest and fragments, including exotic tree plantations such as eucalyptus, while in Malawi it is restricted to rainforests and avoids open habitats.

Diet

The species mainly preys on small mammals, reptiles and insects, typically gliding down to capture them after sighting them from an open perch. In Uganda, it has also been documented hunting bats at caves.

Did you know?

Despite spending most of the day perched within dense forest cover, this territorial bird can occasionally be observed soaring overhead. It constructs nests from sticks in the upper forks of tall forest trees.