The mountain buzzard is a bird of prey that lives in montane forests in East Africa, it and the forest buzzard of southern Africa were, until recently, considered to be a single species.
Region
East African Highlands
Typical Environment
This species inhabits montane evergreen forests, bamboo zones, and moist forest edges from Ethiopia south through Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northern Tanzania. It favors mosaic landscapes where closed canopy forest meets glades, clearings, and plantations, which provide perches and hunting lanes. Birds often patrol along ridgelines and valleys, using thermals to soar and scan for prey. It will also occur in secondary growth and selectively logged forest as long as tall trees remain for nesting.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The mountain buzzard is a forest-dwelling raptor of the East African highlands, often seen soaring over ridgelines and hunting along forest edges. It was formerly lumped with the forest buzzard of southern Africa but is now recognized as a distinct species. It performs local upslope and downslope movements following prey availability and weather. Its mewing calls can carry far across valleys on calm mornings.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Typically occurs singly or in pairs that defend forested territories. Pairs build stick nests high in tall trees and are largely monogamous. Clutches are small, usually one to two eggs, and the female incubates while the male provides prey.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The call is a high, mewing whistle, often given while soaring. It may repeat plaintive notes in series, carrying well over valleys. At the nest, softer whines and whistles are used in pair communication.
