OBSERVATIONS ON THE JACKAL BUZZARD IN THE KAROO

Schmitt, M. B., Baur, S. & Von Maltttz, F. 1987. Observations on the Jackal Buzzard in the Karoo. Ostrich 58:97-102. During a two-year study, 128 Jackal Buzzards Buteo rufofuscus were captured in the Karoo, South Africa. Density, mensural data, plumage, moult, recaptures and recoveries are discussed. All plumages are highly variable, resulting in possible misidentification. Second-year birds moult primaries descendently and symmetrically; secondary moult is mainly ascendent and symmetrical, tail moult irregular but symmetrical. Adult birds moult irregularly. Carrion forms a large part of the diet in winter. Possible migratory movements are discussed.