The forest buzzard is a species of bird of prey found in Africa, though some authorities have placed it as a subspecies of another species, the mountain buzzard, Buteo oreophilus. This is a resident breeding species in woodlands in southern and eastern South Africa.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Primarily found in southern and eastern South Africa and adjacent Eswatini, inhabiting Afromontane and coastal evergreen forests, forest edges, and patchy mosaics with clearings. It also occupies commercial plantations, shelterbelts, and riparian woodland where large trees provide nesting sites. The species favors ecotones where open hunting areas meet closed canopy cover. It perches to scan for prey and will hunt along forest tracks, roads, and clear-felled compartments.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often confused with the migratory Steppe Buzzard in South Africa, the Forest Buzzard is actually a distinct, resident species. It readily breeds in native Afromontane forests as well as exotic pine and eucalyptus plantations. Some authorities historically treated it as a subspecies of the Mountain Buzzard, but it is now widely recognized as separate.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with occasional steady wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically monogamous, pairs defending territories that include mature trees for nesting. Nests are placed high in forest or plantation trees and are reused or refurbished across seasons. Clutches usually contain 1–2 eggs, and adults are attentive at the nest, with the male provisioning the incubating female.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are Buteo-typical mewing notes, a clear, plaintive 'pee-ooo' given during display flights or territorial interactions. Vocalizations are most frequent near the nest and during the breeding season.
Plumage
Brown upperparts with a paler, often streaked breast and belly; underwings show a dark carpal patch and barred flight feathers. Tail typically narrowly barred with a darker subterminal band. Plumage is variable but generally less rufous and more cleanly patterned below than many Steppe Buzzards.
Diet
Primarily hunts small mammals such as rodents, but also takes small birds, reptiles, amphibians, and large insects. It usually hunts from a perch, dropping to the ground or pursuing prey over short distances. Opportunistic around forest edges and clearings where prey is abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest margins, rides of plantations, and clear-felled areas that provide visibility and access to ground prey. Will also work along roads and tracks cutting through woodland.
