Long-legged Buzzard

1. Bird Name
The bird is commonly termed the Long-legged Buzzard. Its scientific name is Buteo rufinus.

2. Appearance
The Long-legged Buzzard is a large bird with a striking appearance. Their plumage is quite variable, however, their chest and belly are typically rufous or buff with dark patches or streaks, while the upper parts are usually a darker brown. The beak is sharp, powerful, and hooked at the tip, providing a clear indicator of their raptor status. This bird is famous for its long-hued legs, aptly giving it its name. From which, these birds also have large yellow eyes ringed with red, making for a daunting sight. Like many raptors, females tend to be larger than the males, but the coloration remains consistent between the sexes.

3. Size
On average, the Long-legged Buzzard is between 19.7 – 24.0 inches in length with a significant and impressive wingspan that can extend from 51.2 – 57.1 inches. These birds typically weigh between 1.2 to 2.4 kg.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Long-legged Buzzards are found across a sweeping range of territories including southern Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. They are primarily inhabitants of open, uncultivated areas, preferring grasslands and desert-like environments, although they are known to inhabit forest edges and mountainous terrain.

5. Interesting Facts
These large birds of prey are quite territorial, especially during the breeding season. They are also monogamous, sticking with one mate for life. An intriguing behavior involves their courtship display, which includes soaring flights and swooping, diving actions. Unlike many raptors, the Long-legged Buzzard is a somewhat sedentary species, with most individuals choosing not to migrate unless forced to by extreme weather conditions.

6. Diet
The diet of the Long-legged Buzzard is mainly small mammals, like rodents, as well as birds, reptiles, and insects. They are versatile hunters and are not above scavenging when the opportunity presents itself.

7. Behavior & Sounds
These birds are typically solitary or live in pairs. Their calls are somewhat similar to a cat’s meow, but louder and more rasping. During their impressive courtship rituals, their calls become even louder. The bird’s nests are enormous structures built of branches and twigs, often located in trees or on cliff edges.

8. Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List has classified the Long-legged Buzzard as a species of least concern. Although its population trend is deemed stable, it faces threats from habitat degradation and loss, shooting, and poisoning.

9. Lifespan
Long-legged Buzzards typically live for around 15 to 20 years in the wild, but can live longer in captivity.

10. Additional Notes
The species plays a significant role in controlling rodent populations in its habitats, thus balancing the ecosystems they live in. Long-legged Buzzards are often seen as a symbol of power and freedom in some cultures. In Turkey, for example, they’re referred to as “Kızıl Şahin,” translating to “Red Falcon.” Their interaction with humans is generally limited, but in areas where they’re common they are known to take small livestock, which occasionally leads to conflict.