Grasshopper Buzzard

Identification

The grasshopper buzzard is a compact raptor measuring 30–35 cm in length with a wingspan of 90 cm and weighing 310–380 g. Adults are grey-brown above with a darker head and dark shaft streaks throughout their plumage. The most distinctive feature in flight is a conspicuous reddish patch formed by the greater coverts and primary feathers, with primaries tipped in black. The tail is grey with faint brown bars. Below, the chin and throat are whitish with three black streaks on either side, while the breast and belly are rufous with narrow black shaft streaks on the breast only. The under-wing coverts and wing lining are white. Eyes, legs, and cere are yellow, with a black-tipped bill and yellow base. Females are slightly larger than males. Juveniles display a bright brownish-red head and nape that gradually darkens with age, eventually matching the back coloration.

Range & Habitat

This species is found in a narrow zone of sub-Saharan Africa north of the equator, ranging from Senegal and Gambia east to Ethiopia. The grasshopper buzzard is a partial migrant, moving south during the dry northern winter (September to March) and north again during summer rains (April to September) to breed. When breeding, the species generally ranges between 9–15° N, moving south to around 5° N during the dry season, with only eastern African populations occurring south of the equator. Distribution and abundance show considerable local and annual variation.

These birds prefer woodland and forest edges, arid acacia savannahs, marsh edges, and burnt areas. They are particularly attracted to recently burnt regions where insect emergences are abundant.

Behaviour & Diet

The grasshopper buzzard is notably sociable, frequently seen in groups of 50 to 100 birds, especially in burnt areas. It hunts from a low perch, scanning for large insects which comprise the bulk of its diet. It catches prey on the ground or sometimes pursues them briefly in the air. During the non-breeding season, grasshoppers dominate the diet—indeed, the species is a specialist grasshopper hunter at this time. When breeding, the diet diversifies to include various insects (grasshoppers and beetles), scorpions, sun spiders, frogs, rodents, small birds, and reptiles.

Breeding occurs between March and May in the northern range, with nests placed in tree forks or low trees, typically around 10 metres above ground. The stick nest features a central cup lined with green leaves; one to three bluish-white eggs with dark markings are laid. Fresh green leaves are added throughout the nesting period. Grasshopper buzzards breed at remarkably high densities—up to 3.3 nests per square kilometre—with neighboring territories separated by less than 100 metres in good habitat. Home ranges overlap extensively, and birds regularly forage over neighboring territories.

Best Time & Places to See It

The best opportunity to observe grasshopper buzzards is during the dry season (September to March) when they migrate south and concentrate in burnt areas where insect populations are emerging. Their sociable nature and tendency to gather in large flocks make them relatively conspicuous during this period. Visiting acacia savannahs, woodland edges, and recently burnt regions across their range from Senegal to Ethiopia—and south to Kenya and northern Tanzania—offers good chances of encounter.

Photography Tips

The reddish patch visible on the wings in flight is the key field mark to capture. Photograph grasshopper buzzards perched on low vantage points where they hunt, as they spend considerable time scanning from these positions. The high densities in suitable habitat mean multiple individuals may be visible simultaneously, offering opportunities for group shots. Visit burnt areas during the dry season for the best concentrations and activity levels. The striking yellow eyes, cere, and leg color provide excellent detail for close-up portraits.