Long-legged Buzzard Bird Details
Buteo rufinus
Long-legged Buzzard,Rufous Buzzard, Steppe Buzzard;
Lambe Panje Wala Baaz
Johann Georg Wagler in 1832.
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Buteo
Appearance :
Variable plumage; typically features a rufous-brown coloration with a lighter underside, although individual variations exist. Juveniles may appear more mottled and brownish. Long legs that are more pronounced than other buzzards, broad wings, and a relatively short tail.
Behaviour :
Strong, soaring flight; often seen gliding on thermals with minimal wing flapping. Produces a variety of calls, including whistles and sharp cries, often heard during courtship and territorial displays. Monogamous; pairs are often seen together during the breeding season.
Habitat :
Open areas such as grasslands, savannas, and agricultural fields, often near water sources. They are also found in mountainous regions and semi-deserts.
Diet :
Carnivorous; primarily feeds on small mammals (like rodents), birds, and occasionally reptiles. They may also scavenge on carrion. Hunts from a perch or while soaring, using keen eyesight to spot prey from a distance.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found primarily across parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Includes countries such as: India Pakistan Afghanistan Mongolia Various countries in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Population Size :
Exact numbers can vary, but the population is generally stable across its range, with many birds remaining in remote areas.
Life Span :
Typically around 15 to 20 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Medium to large raptor with a robust and elongated body; known for its long legs which are more pronounced compared to other buzzard species.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 8 to 9 cm (3.1 to 3.5 inches). This is the length of the leg bone from the knee to the foot.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Broad and rounded with a relatively small beak. The head is often lighter in color compared to the body.
- Bill: Short, hooked, and robust, designed for tearing flesh.
- Bill Length: About 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 inches).
Length :
Typically ranges from 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 inches).
Neck :
Moderately long, supporting the strong head; not particularly elongated compared to some other raptor species.
Size :
Medium to large within the raptor family, characterized by its distinctively long legs and broad wings.
Tail Details :
Tail: Broad and relatively short, aiding in maneuverability during flight.
Tail Length: Approximately 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 inches).
Feathers: Plumage varies from rufous to brown with lighter underparts. The feathers are stiff, aiding in flight and insulation.
Weight :
Generally weighs between 800 to 1,500 grams (1.8 to 3.3 pounds)
Wing :
Long and broad wings, optimized for soaring and gliding; the wing structure allows for efficient flight over open areas.
Wing Span :
Approximately 125 to 150 cm (49 to 59 inches)
Facial Feature :
The face is broad with a pronounced brow; the eyes are typically small and dark compared to the head size.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Built in trees, cliffs, or on ledges. Nests are often large and can be reused in subsequent years.
- Nest Made Up Of: Constructed using twigs, sticks, and other plant materials. The inside is often lined with softer materials like grass and feathers for insulation.
Breeding Season :
Typically occurs from March to June.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season aligns with the availability of prey and suitable nesting sites, usually beginning in spring.
Egg Color :
Usually pale bluish or bluish-white, often with brown speckling.
Egg Length :
Approximately 4.5 to 5.5 cm (1.8 to 2.2 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 3.5 to 4.2 cm (1.4 to 1.7 inches).
- Egg Weight: Generally ranges from 40 to 60 grams (1.4 to 2.1 ounces).
Clutch Size :
Typically consists of 2 to 4 eggs, although some clutches can have up to 5 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Usually, one brood is raised per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Lasts around 30 to 35 days
Nestling Period :
The young typically fledge (leave the nest) at about 6 to 8 weeks old.
Vocalization :
Produces a range of calls, including whistles and sharp barks, often used for communication during breeding and territorial displays.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger than males, exhibiting greater overall size and weight. Males tend to have slightly smaller wingspans.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Primarily a resident species, but some populations may undertake local or altitudinal migrations, especially in response to food availability.
- Migration Period: If migrations occur, they usually happen in late summer or autumn, as birds move to lower elevations during colder months.
- Migration Route: Movements are generally short-distance; birds migrate from breeding grounds in higher elevations to lower, milder areas for winter.