Augur Buzzard East Africa 2027: Kenya’s Bold Highland Raptor and Rift Valley Sentinel

Augur buzzards are widespread throughout East Africa’s highlands and savannas. The best viewing is in rocky areas with good vantage points — kopjes in the Serengeti and Masai Mara are excellent. The Rift Valley escarpment in Kenya, particularly around Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park, offers spectacular sightings. Ngorongoro Crater’s cliffs provide reliable viewing, with buzzards often seen soaring on thermals above the crater floor. They are active throughout the day, with peak soaring activity in late morning when thermals develop. Because they are territorial, returning to the same perches, patient observation usually produces excellent sightings.

Augur buzzards have a varied diet that reflects their adaptability. They primarily hunt small mammals such as rodents, hares, and hyraxes. Reptiles, including lizards and snakes, are important prey. They also take birds up to the size of guinea fowl, and insects when other prey is scarce. Augur buzzards hunt from prominent perches, scanning the ground before dropping down to seize prey with their talons. They also soar on thermals, spotting prey from altitude. Like other buzzards, they are opportunistic and will take carrion when available. Their versatile hunting techniques allow them to thrive in diverse habitats from grassland to highland moorland.

Augur buzzards occur in two colour morphs. The light morph is most common at lower altitudes and has dark grey to black upperparts, clean white underparts, and distinctive chestnut wing patches visible in flight. The dark morph is more common at higher altitudes and is almost entirely blackish-brown, with chestnut flight feathers and tail providing contrast. Dark morph birds may comprise up to 80% of populations above 3,000 metres. Both morphs have yellow ceres and legs. Juveniles are brown with streaked underparts and lack the adult’s distinctive pattern. The dark morph is thought to provide better camouflage in the rocky, dark terrain of high-altitude habitats.

Augur buzzards employ multiple hunting techniques depending on conditions. They commonly hunt from prominent perches such as kopjes, cliffs, and trees, scanning the ground for movement before dropping down to seize prey. They also soar on thermals, using their excellent eyesight to spot prey from altitude. In open grassland, they may hover like kestrels before diving. Their hunting success is highest in the early morning and late afternoon when prey is most active. Augur buzzards have excellent vision — they can spot a mouse from 100 metres while perched. Once prey is located, they descend rapidly, extending their talons at the last moment to make the capture.

Augur buzzards are present year-round in East Africa and are active throughout the day. The best viewing is in late morning (09:00 to 11:00) when they soar on developing thermals, providing spectacular flight displays. They are also commonly seen perched on kopjes and cliffs during game drives at any time. Breeding season (May to October) offers opportunities to see courtship displays and nesting behaviour. Because they are territorial and use regular perches, repeated visits to good habitat usually produce sightings. Augur buzzards are among the most reliable raptors to see on safari — a guaranteed sighting in the Serengeti, Masai Mara, and Rift Valley.