The Madagascar buzzard is a bird of prey which is endemic to Madagascar. It is a species from the widespread genus Buteo in the family Accipitridae.
Region
Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across Madagascar, from coastal lowlands to the central highlands. Favors forest edges, secondary growth, dry deciduous woodlands, and humid evergreen forests, and also uses open country, plantations, and agricultural mosaics. It is less common in dense, unbroken primary forest and very arid treeless expanses. Readily adapts to human-altered landscapes and hunts along roads and clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A versatile raptor, the Madagascar buzzard occupies everything from forest edges to farmland and even village outskirts. Its plumage is notably variable, ranging from dark brown to paler, heavily streaked birds. Often seen soaring on thermals or perched on poles and tall trees, it readily scavenges as well as hunts. Pairs defend territories and build bulky stick nests high in trees or on cliffs.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in territorial pairs. Monogamous pairs build large stick nests high in trees or on cliffs, laying a small clutch and defending it vigorously. Juveniles disperse widely after fledging but often remain within suitable edge habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a mewing, drawn-out whistle reminiscent of other buzzards, often repeated while soaring over territory. Alarm calls are sharper, with rapid, high-pitched notes during nest defense.
Plumage
Variable; upperparts brown to dark chocolate with lighter mottling, underparts creamy to buff with brown streaks and barring. Flight feathers are barred, and the tail shows multiple narrow bands with a darker subterminal band.
Diet
An opportunistic predator that takes reptiles (such as chameleons and small snakes), small mammals, birds, amphibians, and large insects. It also scavenges carrion when available. Hunting is usually from exposed perches with rapid swoops, or by soaring and dropping onto prey. It may patrol roadsides and forest edges where prey is more visible.
Preferred Environment
Prefers ecotones like forest edges, clearings, and open patches within woodland. Frequently hunts over agricultural fields, village perimeters, and along roads where perches and open sightlines are abundant.
