Long-legged Buzzard

A large, long-winged buzzard which may recall a small eagle in size. Variable plumage with three color morphs. All have obvious dark carpal patches at the wrist of the wing. Juveniles lack the adult’s prominent black trailing edge to the wings. Often hunts from a prominent perch, or sits on the ground and scans for prey. A species of open steppe and desert country, sometimes in more wooded areas but always near big open spaces. Compare with similar Common and Upland Buzzards, as well as Rough-legged Hawk; note long-winged structure, size, and wings held in “V” in soaring flight.

The long-legged buzzard is not native to Sri Lanka, but it does inhabit similar habitats in the Indian subcontinent.

In Sri Lanka, the Long-legged Buzzard primarily feeds on small mammals like rodents (rats, including the Indian rat), with a significant portion of its diet also consisting of reptiles like lizards and snakes, occasionally supplemented by birds, insects, and carrion, making it an opportunistic feeder adapting to available prey in its habitat.