ExploreBirds

Long-legged Buzzard

Buteo rufinus

The Long-legged Buzzard is a large bird of prey with long legs and beautiful feathers. It soars high in the sky, looking for small animals to catch for lunch!

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Long-legged Buzzard has striking rufous (reddish-brown) plumage, especially on its tail and belly. It features visibly longer, feathered legs compared to other buzzards and often displays dark carpal patches on its underwings. Its head is typically paler, giving it a distinctive appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyAccipitridaeGenusButeo
Long-legged Buzzard
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Long-legged Buzzard

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Their scientific name 'rufinus' means 'reddish,' perfectly describing their striking tail feathers!

These buzzards sometimes stand tall on perches, like watchtowers, scanning for their next meal!

They come in different color patterns, from very pale to dark brown, even within the same family!

Unlike many birds, Long-legged Buzzards often reuse their nests year after year, adding new sticks!

Special abilities

Ability

Eagle Eye

Long-legged Buzzard has incredible eyesight that helps them spot tiny prey like mice from high above.

Ability

Sky Surfer

Long-legged Buzzard can soar effortlessly for hours because of its broad wings, conserving energy while hunting.

Ability

Power Pounce

Long-legged Buzzard has strong, sharp talons that help them firmly grasp and carry away captured prey.

Ability

Long Reach

Long-legged Buzzard has longer legs than other buzzards that help them navigate rocky terrain and snatch prey.

Measurements & details

Length
50-66 cm
Wingspan
115-160 cm
Weight
0.8-1.9 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
30-34 days
Migration Distance
5000 km

Diet & Feeding

This bird of prey primarily eats small mammals and reptiles, hunting from the sky.

Age differences: Young buzzards start with easier-to-catch insects before switching to larger prey.

Primary Foods

  • Voles
  • Gerbils
  • Lizards
  • Snakes
  • Large Insects
  • Young Birds

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Libyan Jird

Meriones libycus

A key prey item in its desert habitats.

hunts

Social Vole

Microtus socialis

A common small mammal hunted in steppe regions.

eaten by

Common Raven

Corvus corax

Occasionally preys on eggs and young chicks.

hunts

Levantine Viper

Macrovipera lebetina

Predates on venomous snakes, a fearless hunter.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Long-legged Buzzard?

50-66 cm

What is Long-legged Buzzard's wingspan?

115-160 cm

How much does Long-legged Buzzard weigh?

0.8-1.9 kg

How long does Long-legged Buzzard live?

15-20 years

How fast can Long-legged Buzzard move?

60 km/h

What does Long-legged Buzzard eat?

This bird of prey primarily eats small mammals and reptiles, hunting from the sky.

Where is Long-legged Buzzard usually found?

Mountain regions

How does Long-legged Buzzard hunt?

Pursuit

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Where to spot

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