Long-legged Buzzard

About

The Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) is a large, powerful raptor belonging to the family Accipitridae. It is characterized by its robust build, broad wings, and often rufous (reddish-brown) plumage, particularly on the underparts and tail. It is a bird of open, arid, and semi-arid landscapes, often seen soaring high or perched conspicuously on elevated points.

Size & lifespan

Length

50-66 cm

Wingspan

120-160 cm

Weight

800-1600 g

Lifespan

Up to 20 years in the wild

Diet

Carnivore

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Highly variable, ranging from pale sandy to dark rufous-brown. Common features include a pale head, dark carpal patches on the underwing, and a rufous tail, often unbarred or faintly barred. The underparts can be plain pale or streaked, with a variable amount of rufous wash. Upperparts are typically brown.

Beak shape

Strong, hooked beak, dark grey to black with a yellow cere.

Eye color

Yellow to amber in adults, darker in juveniles.

Leg color

Yellow, with feathered tarsi extending down to the toes, giving the 'long-legged' appearance.

Distinguishing features

Key features include the often unbarred rufous tail, feathered tarsi, pale head, and dark carpal patches. In flight, the broad wings and relatively long tail are noticeable. The overall impression is often of a large, pale-headed, rufous-tailed buzzard.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles typically have paler plumage overall, with a less distinct rufous wash on the underparts and tail. The tail may be more distinctly barred than in adults. Eyes are darker, often brown. The feathered tarsi are present but may appear less dense.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage variation is primarily individual and age-related.

Sexual dimorphism

Minimal; females are generally slightly larger and heavier than males, but plumage differences are not pronounced.

How to identify

1. 1

   Size and Build

   Look for a large, robust buzzard, noticeably larger than a Common Buzzard, with broad wings and a relatively long tail.

2. 2

   Plumage Coloration

   Observe the overall color. Many individuals show a pale head, rufous wash on the underparts (especially belly and undertail coverts), and a distinctive rufous tail that is often unbarred or only faintly barred. Dark carpal patches on the underwing are usually prominent.

3. 3

   Legs

   If perched, look for feathered tarsi (legs feathered down to the toes), a key diagnostic feature that gives it its common name.

4. 4

   Tail Pattern

   In flight, the rufous tail, often lacking prominent barring, is a strong indicator. Compare to the more barred tails of other buzzards.

5. 5

   Flight Style

   Note its powerful, buoyant soaring, often with wings held in a shallow dihedral. It can also hover effectively.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Consider the habitat – open, arid, or semi-arid landscapes are preferred, which can help narrow down identification in its range.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Deserts, semi-deserts, steppes, open grasslands, rocky hillsides, and mountainous regions.

Geographic range

Southeastern Europe (e.g., Balkans, Turkey), North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, extending east to Mongolia and China. Northern populations are migratory, while southern populations are often resident.

Elevation range

Sea level up to 3000 meters, occasionally higher in mountainous areas.

Preferred environments

Open country with scattered trees, cliffs, or rocky outcrops for nesting and perching. Avoids dense forests and heavily urbanized areas.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, active during daylight hours.

Feeding habits

Primarily a predator of small to medium-sized mammals (e.g., rodents, pikas, hares), but also takes reptiles (lizards, snakes), birds, and large insects. Hunts by soaring and scanning the ground, or by perching on an elevated spot and swooping down on prey. Also capable of hovering.

Social behavior

Generally solitary or found in pairs during the breeding season. Not typically gregarious outside of migration, though multiple individuals may gather at abundant food sources.

Flight pattern

Characterized by powerful, buoyant soaring on broad wings, often holding wings in a shallow dihedral. Can also hover effectively against the wind. Direct flight involves strong, deliberate wing beats.

Migration pattern

Northern and eastern populations are migratory, moving south to wintering grounds in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Southern populations are largely resident or undertake short-distance movements. Migration occurs in broad fronts, often utilizing thermals.

Territoriality

Territorial during the breeding season, defending nesting sites and hunting grounds from conspecifics and other raptors.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically March to July, varying geographically.

Nesting habits

Nests are large structures made of sticks, often lined with wool, hair, or other soft materials. Built on cliffs, rocky ledges, or occasionally in trees (especially large, isolated ones). Both sexes contribute to nest building.

Clutch size

2-4 eggs, rarely 1 or 5.

Egg description

Usually 2-4 eggs, dull white or pale bluish-white, often sparsely marked with reddish-brown or grey blotches.

Incubation period

Approximately 30-34 days, primarily by the female, with the male providing food.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge at around 45-50 days old, but remain dependent on parents for several weeks thereafter.

Parental care

Both parents are involved in raising the young. The female incubates and broods, while the male primarily hunts and brings food to the nest. Both feed the chicks.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Scan the Sky. Long-legged Buzzards spend a lot of time soaring at altitude, so constantly scan the sky, especially during midday when thermals are strong.
2. Check Elevated Perches. Look for them perched conspicuously on prominent rocks, cliffs, power poles, or isolated trees, from where they survey their hunting grounds.
3. Learn Vocalizations. Familiarize yourself with their calls, which can help locate them, especially during the breeding season.
4. Observe Flight. Pay attention to their flight style – the powerful, buoyant soaring and occasional hovering are characteristic.

Similar species

Quick facts

Primary Prey:

Small mammals (rodents, pikas)

Distinctive Feature:

Feathered tarsi (legs)

Habitat Preference:

Open, arid landscapes

Migration Status:

Partial migrant

Nest Location:

Cliffs, rocky ledges, large trees

Fun facts

• The 'long-legged' in its name refers to its feathered tarsi, which extend further down the leg than in most other buzzards, giving the appearance of longer legs.
• Despite its name, its legs are not actually proportionally longer than other buzzards; it's the feathering that creates this impression.
• It is one of the largest species within the Buteo genus, often appearing quite imposing in flight.
• Its diet can vary significantly depending on local prey availability, showcasing its adaptability as a predator.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Accipitriformes

Family

Accipitridae

Genus

Buteo

Species

Buteo rufinus

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