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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Volcanoes National Park
Kilimanjaro Bird HubRaptorsAugur Buzzard
Augur Buzzard – The Red-tailed Raptor of East Africa
Buteo augur
Augur Buzzard at a Glance
A rufous-tailed buzzard of open highland country
Important Elevation Note
No verified Kilimanjaro route-specific elevation range has been established for the Augur Buzzard. It uses highland grassland, open woodland, rocky hills and mountain slopes; the park checklist supports park-level inclusion, not a route-level altitude profile.
About the Augur Buzzard
The Augur Buzzard (Buteo augur) is a medium-to-large East African bird of prey recognised by its powerful build, contrasting dark and pale plumage and striking reddish tail. Often seen soaring above highland landscapes, it is adapted to open country and wooded mountain environments.
It is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. Individual trekking-route sightings have not been independently verified in this guide.
Natural Habitat
Open highland country, woodland edges and rocky slopes
Highland grassland, open woodland, rocky hills, mountain slopes and forest edges.
Open highland country, high-altitude grassland, rocky slopes, woodland edges and mountain slopes and valleys across East Africa. It hunts by soaring and stooping, favouring open terrain with suitable soaring conditions and scattered perches.
Augur Buzzard on Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro National Park checklist — route unverified
The Augur Buzzard is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. However, this checklist-level record does not establish a confirmed sighting on any particular climbing or trekking route. Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Umbwe, Rongai, Northern Circuit and Shira are all unverified; route-specific sightings and elevations have not been independently verified for this guide, and no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location.
| Route | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Marangu Route | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Augur Buzzard is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
| Machame Route | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Augur Buzzard is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
| Lemosho Route | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Augur Buzzard is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
| Umbwe Route | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Augur Buzzard is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
| Rongai Route | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Augur Buzzard is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
| Northern Circuit | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Augur Buzzard is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
| Shira Route | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Augur Buzzard is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
African Majestic Adventure does not guarantee wildlife sightings. Encounters depend on natural movements, habitat conditions and weather.
Nature, Call, Diet & Behaviour
How the Augur Buzzard lives on Kilimanjaro
A harsh, mewling cry, often repeated — best heard in flight or on the territory.
Diet & Feeding
Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, large insects and carrion — opportunistically feeds at kills and fires.
Behaviour
Hunts by soaring and stooping over open ground or by perching and pouncing; feeds opportunistically on carrion.
Breeding
Nests in a tree or on a cliff ledge; breeding timing varies regionally.
Communication
A harsh, mewling cry, often repeated — best heard in flight or on the territory.
Distribution, Conservation & Fieldcraft
Where it lives, what threatens it, how to see it
Distribution in Africa & Tanzania
Highlands and plateaus of East Africa, including Tanzania; National Park checklist supports park-level inclusion.
Conservation - Least Concern
Least Concern (LC) globally. Least Concern (LC) globally; no Kilimanjaro-specific population estimate or trend is published in this guide.
Best Time to Observe
Watch open slopes and ridge lines during the day, especially mid-morning when thermals build; look for soaring birds with rufous-red tails.
Photography Tips
- Listen before looking
- Watch forest edges and open slopes from a distance
- Use a telephoto lens from a respectful distance
- Telephoto, keep distance, no playback near nests
Ecological Importance
A predator of mammals, birds and reptiles, and a scavenger at carrion and termite emergences in highland food webs.
Responsible Birdwatching
- Stay on authorised paths
- Never chase or disturb
- No feeding, no loud playback
- Photograph from distance, leave no litter
Field Guide — Augur Buzzard
A rufous-tailed buzzard of open highland country
What Is the Augur Buzzard?
The Augur Buzzard (Buteo augur, genus Buteo) is a bold, handsome raptor of East African highlands. Its black body contrasts with white wing panels and an unmistakable rufous-red tail — a striking sight soaring over open country and hillsides.
How to Identify It
Approximately 48-60 cm in length. Black head, back, upperwing and belly contrast with white wing panels (in the common morph) and a rufous-red tail. A plain dark morph also occurs. Juveniles are browner and more streaked below, with a duller tail. The red tail is the most reliable single feature of an adult.
Similar Species
- Common Buzzard — paler, broader-winged, with a banded or brown tail.
- Mountain Buzzard — smaller, darker, with spotted underparts.
- Steppe Eagle — much larger, darker eagle with fingers in flight.
Natural Habitat
Open highland country, high-altitude grassland, rocky slopes, woodland edges, mountain slopes and valleys across East Africa. It favours open terrain with suitable soaring conditions and scattered perches and cliffs.
Where to Find It
The Augur Buzzard is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park bird checklist. This is park-level checklist evidence; no route, camp, altitude or viewing location is promoted as confirmed.
Diet and Feeding Behaviour
Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, carrion and large insects, especially termites and grasshoppers in season. It may also follow other predators to feeding opportunities.
Behaviour and Daily Activity
It hunts by soaring and stooping over open ground, or by watching from a perch before dropping onto prey. It may feed opportunistically on carrion and at fires.
Calls and Communication
A harsh, mewling cry, often repeated and best heard in flight or on the territory.
Breeding and Nesting
It nests in a tree or on a cliff ledge, using a stick nest. Breeding timing varies regionally; no specific Kilimanjaro breeding season is claimed here.
Distribution
East Africa — highlands and plateaus of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Tanzania lies within its recognised range; the National Park checklist supports park-level occurrence.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (LC) globally. Locally affected by habitat change and persecution; no Kilimanjaro-specific trend is published here.
Best Time to Observe
Watch open slopes and ridge lines during the day, especially mid-morning when thermals build; look for soaring birds with rufous-red tails.
Photography Tips
Watch from a distance; never approach nesting or injured birds; a telephoto lens is recommended over approaching.
Ecological Importance
A predator of mammals, birds and reptiles, and a scavenger at carrion and termite emergences in highland food webs.
Why It Matters in Tanzania
The red-tailed buzzard of the East African highlands.
Responsible Birdwatching
Stay on authorised trails, observe from a respectful distance, and never disturb birds or nesting sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Augur Buzzard on Mount Kilimanjaro
What is an Augur Buzzard?
The Augur Buzzard is a medium-to-large African bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Its scientific name is Buteo augur.
What is the scientific name of the Augur Buzzard?
Its scientific name is Buteo augur.
Is the Augur Buzzard found on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Yes. It is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park bird checklist, although sightings on individual routes are not guaranteed.
How large is an Augur Buzzard?
It measures approximately 48–60 cm in body length and has a wingspan of roughly 120–150 cm.
What does an Augur Buzzard look like?
The typical adult has dark upperparts, white underparts, broad wings and a distinctive reddish tail.
Why does the Augur Buzzard have a red tail?
The rufous-red tail is a natural plumage feature and one of the most useful characteristics for identifying the adult bird.
What does the Augur Buzzard eat?
It mainly eats small mammals and reptiles, including rodents, lizards and snakes. It may also take birds and insects.
Does the Augur Buzzard eat carrion?
Yes. It can feed on carrion opportunistically, although small live animals form an important part of its diet.
Where does the Augur Buzzard live?
It is native to parts of eastern and southern Africa, particularly elevated landscapes and suitable open or wooded habitats.
What habitat does the Augur Buzzard prefer?
It uses highland grassland, open woodland, rocky hills, mountain slopes and forest edges.
Is the Augur Buzzard a migratory bird?
It is generally considered resident across much of its range, although young birds may disperse from their birthplace.
How does the Augur Buzzard hunt?
It hunts from elevated perches and while soaring, then descends rapidly to catch prey with its strong feet and talons.
What sound does an Augur Buzzard make?
It produces harsh, hoarse, yelping or crow-like calls, especially during territorial and breeding activity.
Where does the Augur Buzzard build its nest?
It constructs a substantial stick nest in a tree or on a rocky cliff, depending on available habitat.
Is the Augur Buzzard endangered?
No. Its current global conservation category is Least Concern.
What is the wingspan of an Augur Buzzard?
Its wingspan is approximately 120–150 cm.
Can the Augur Buzzard be confused with other African raptors?
Yes. Some other buzzards and large raptors can appear similar. Its red tail, broad wings and characteristic adult plumage are useful identification features.
Can visitors photograph Augur Buzzards on Kilimanjaro?
Visitors may encounter birds of prey in suitable habitats, but a particular Augur Buzzard sighting cannot be guaranteed.
What equipment is useful for Augur Buzzard watching?
Binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens are useful for observing its flight and identifying its plumage.
Can I explore Kilimanjaro with African Majestic Adventure?
Yes. African Majestic Adventure can help you plan a Kilimanjaro experience and appreciate the mountain’s landscapes, habitats and birdlife.
Explore Kilimanjaro's Birdlife with African Majestic Adventure
Kilimanjaro offers a remarkable variety of landscapes and birds, from lower forested slopes to open high moorlands and rocky highlands. Our team can help you plan a trek that brings you closer to the mountain's wildlife while encouraging responsible travel and respect for Tanzania's natural environments.
African Majestic Adventure is committed to memorable mountain experiences while encouraging responsible travel and respect for Tanzania natural environments.