Photo: Manuel Schwarz / CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Socotra Buzzard
Buteo socotraensis
Socotra Buzzard (Buteo socotraensis) — Birds of Prey of Africa.
The Socotra Buzzard (Buteo socotraensis) is a member of the Accipitridae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 759 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Accipitriformes
- Family Accipitridae Kites, Hawks, Eagles
- Genus Buteo
- Species socotraensis
Quick facts
- Weight
- 759 g
- Diet
- Vertebrate hunters
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Habitat
- Grassland & open country
How to identify
Similar birds
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Socotra Buzzard preys mainly on other vertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of open grassland, it spends much of its time perched in trees and shrubs.
Migration
The Socotra Buzzard is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.
The Socotra Buzzard (Buteo socotraensis) belongs to the Accipitridae family of the order Accipitriformes. It is found across Africa. Its distribution covers AF Socotra.
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 759 g, with a wing length of about 32.3 cm and a tail of around 17.7 cm.
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 3,622 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Socotra Buzzard?
The Socotra Buzzard is a large bird that weighs around 759 g.
Where does the Socotra Buzzard live?
The Socotra Buzzard is found across Africa with a range covering AF Socotra, where it favours open grassland, scrub and lightly vegetated country.
What family does the Socotra Buzzard belong to?
The Socotra Buzzard (Buteo socotraensis) belongs to the Accipitridae family, in the order Accipitriformes.
What does the Socotra Buzzard eat?
The Socotra Buzzard preys mainly on other vertebrates.
Does the Socotra Buzzard migrate?
The Socotra Buzzard is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.
Is the Socotra Buzzard endangered?
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
How large is the Socotra Buzzard's range?
The Socotra Buzzard has a mapped global range of about 3,622 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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Guides for this bird
Meet the Accipitridae
A field guide to the Accipitridae family — 254 species in the Birbs encyclopedia, with the best-known members to start with.