Grasshopper Buzzard

Conservation Status:

The species is listed as Least of Concern by the IUCN report of 2023, with a large and stable population.

Population Trends:

Its trend remains stable, largely due to its adaptability to open habitats and seasonal movements that follow food availability.

Population Size:

Estimated at hundreds of thousands of individuals across its range.

Family:

Accipitridae

Location:

In Uganda, the Grasshopper Buzzard is mainly a seasonal visitor, common in northern and eastern regions

Habitat:

Kidepo Valley National Park and open savannas. It favors grasslands, farmland, and lightly wooded areas, especially during the dry season when insect prey is abundant.

Migration Pattern:

This species is a partial migrant. It breeds in the Sahel region of West Africa and moves east and south during the non-breeding season.

Migration Distance:

These movements can cover hundreds to over a thousand kilometers, following rainfall patterns and insect swarms.
Grasshopper Buzzard
Grasshopper Buzzard

About this Bird:

The Watchful Guardian of the Savanna.

The Grasshopper Buzzard (Butastur rufipennis) is a small, alert raptor of Africa’s open landscapes, often seen perched quietly before dropping swiftly onto its prey. A member of the Accipitridae family, it plays an important role in controlling insect populations, especially grasshoppers.

A Seasonal Presence with Purpose

Though not always present year-round, the Grasshopper Buzzard arrives with purpose, helping maintain ecological balance. Its quiet watch over Uganda’s savannas is a reminder of nature’s timing and the deep connection between species and seasons.

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