Wildlifeof Bhutan
Long-legged Buzzard
Birds of Prey
Photo: (c) Mourad Harzallah, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC-BY (May be cropped or resized)
Buteo rufinus
Basic stats
Habitat
Nests on rocks, cliffs and trees; adaptable to a variety of habitats
Range
South-eastern Europe to East Africa and the northern Indian subcontinent; winters in Pakistan, northern India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh
Size
50–66cm
Wingspan
112–163cm
The long-legged buzzard is a large buzzard with a relatively large bill on a smallish head, long wings, a rather long tail and long legs with powerful feet. It is 50 to 66cm long with a wingspan of 112 to 163cm, averaging about 145cm. The plumage is highly variable, with three to four main forms, and the pale form has a creamy rufous to light sandy head (Wikipedia, general species account).
Migrating birds winter through much of lower Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, including northern India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. It may nest on rocks, cliffs and trees. Its commonest call is a short mew, and it is less vocal than the common buzzard, with which it is most often confused.
Quick answers
- What habitat does the Long-legged Buzzard live in?
- Nests on rocks, cliffs and trees; adaptable to a variety of habitats
- Where is the Long-legged Buzzard found?
- South-eastern Europe to East Africa and the northern Indian subcontinent; winters in Pakistan, northern India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh
- How big is the Long-legged Buzzard?
- 50–66cm
- What is the wingspan of the Long-legged Buzzard?
- 112–163cm