Lizard Buzzard
Kaupifalco monogrammicus

A: Akkedisvalk
G: Sperberbussard
N: ǂnowo hīsabes
Sp: Matsenelela wa mokgaditswane
Ss: Fiolo ya mokgodutswane
Tw: Segodi sa mokgatitswane
Z: usozi

BIRD FAMILY
Buzzards

SIZE
35-37 cm (M)

HABITAT
Occurs in broad-leaved woodland , mixed bushveld and well-treed farmlands. Often perches partially concealed in the canopy of a tree, but also conspicuously on telephone poles or dead trees where it scans the area before making a fast diving strike onto prey. Nomadic in movement, during winter months moves to more arid areas. Feeding on lizards, snakes and insects.

SPECIES DESCRIPTION
Fairly common resident. A small, stocky grey hawk resembling an Accipiter , but distinguished by diagnostic white throat with vertical black streak and one (rarely two) bold white tail-band. Immature more buffy above and below, throat-streak less clear. The call is a whistling ‘klioo-klu-klu-klu’, uttered regularly while perched; also a ringing ‘peeeeo’.