The red-necked buzzard, also known as the African red-tailed buzzard, is a species of buzzard in the family Accipitridae which is found in western and northern central Africa.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal and inland West Africa east into northern parts of Central Africa, favoring woodland-savanna mosaics, gallery forests, forest edges, and cultivated landscapes with scattered trees. It is commonly seen perched on tall trees, poles, or emergent branches overlooking clearings. The species tolerates moderately disturbed habitats and can occur near villages and plantations. It generally avoids dense interior rainforest and true desert.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the African red-tailed buzzard, it is a broad-winged raptor that often hunts from exposed perches along forest edges and savannas. It adapts fairly well to mosaic landscapes and can be seen near farms, plantations, and roadsides. Its deep, mewing call is frequently heard when soaring over territory. As a mid-sized predator, it helps regulate populations of rodents and reptiles.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, often soaring over or perched within territories. Pairs are monogamous and build stick nests high in trees, lining them with fresh greenery. Clutches are small, and both adults defend the nest vigorously.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a plaintive, mewing call reminiscent of other buzzards, often delivered while soaring. Calls can become more frequent during the breeding season and territorial displays.
Plumage
A robust buzzard with a rufous to chestnut neck and upper breast, dark brown upperparts, and a rich rufous tail often with a faint darker subterminal band. Underparts are pale to whitish with variable dark streaking on the belly and flanks. Underwings are pale with contrasting dark flight feather barring and a noticeable carpal patch.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small mammals such as rodents, as well as lizards, snakes, small birds, and large insects. It typically hunts from a high perch, dropping to the ground or into low vegetation to seize prey. It may also quarter slowly over edges and clearings and can take prey flushed by grass fires.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest margins, wooded savannas, riparian corridors, and farmlands with scattered trees. Frequently patrols roadsides and open fields where prey is exposed.
