Forest Buzzard vs Augur Buzzard

In short

The Forest Buzzard and Augur Buzzard can be distinguished by their tail color and underwing patterns. The Forest Buzzard typically has a more uniformly colored tail, while the Augur Buzzard has a bright rufous tail and a white underside with a black trailing edge on the wings.

Identification tips

• Tail color: Look for the bright rufous tail of the Augur Buzzard.
• Underwing pattern: Check for the white underside with black trailing edge in the Augur Buzzard.
• Juvenile plumage: Note the dark streaks on the throat and breast of juvenile Augur Buzzards.
• Habitat: Consider the habitat; Forest Buzzards prefer forested areas, while Augur Buzzards are more often in open areas.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Augur Buzzard may appear bulkier due to its broader wings.

Plumage

The Forest Buzzard generally has a more uniformly colored tail, whereas the Augur Buzzard is notable for its bright rufous tail and white underparts with a black trailing edge on the wings. Juvenile Augur Buzzards have dark streaks on the throat and breast.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical buzzard behavior, soaring on thermals, but there is no specific behavioral trait that reliably distinguishes them.

Habitat

Forest Buzzards are typically found in forested areas, while Augur Buzzards are more commonly seen in open landscapes and savannas.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a reliable distinguishing feature between these two species in the field.