Species profile
About the augur buzzard
The augur buzzard is the characteristic raptor of the East African highlands: black above, white below and with a bright rufous tail that catches the sun as the bird hangs almost stationary in the updraught along a ridge. A dark morph, entirely sooty except for the red tail, is common in the highlands too.
The Ngorongoro crater rim, the Mount Meru slopes in Arusha National Park and the Serengeti's higher ground are the classic Tanzanian places to watch it hunting the wind.
Life in the wild
Behavior & relationships
Behavior
Hovers and hangs in ridge lift for long periods, then drops onto prey. Perches prominently on rock outcrops, posts and dead trees.
Social life
Monogamous pairs holding a territory year after year, displaying with rolling dives along the escarpment.
What makes it remarkable
Special features
A brick-red tail visible from a great distance, and mastery of ridge lift that lets it hold position without flapping.
