Lizard Buzzard

The Lizard Buzzard (Kaupifalco monogrammicus) is a small, stocky raptor native to sub-Saharan Africa. Measuring approximately 35–37 cm in length with a wingspan of about 79 cm, males typically weigh around 246 grams, while females are slightly heavier at 304 grams. Both sexes share similar plumage, characterized by grey upperparts, head, and breast, a distinctive vertical black line on the white throat, and fine dark barring on the white belly. Their eyes range from dark reddish-brown to black, and they possess red to orange-red ceres and legs. operationmigration.org+6en.wikipedia.org+6birdsoftheworld.org+6 operationmigration.org+2animalia.bio+2en.wikipedia.org+2

These birds inhabit moist, dense savannah woodlands, especially miombo woodlands, forest edges, and wooded river margins. They are also found in arid thornbush areas, particularly during winter. Lizard Buzzards are solitary and silent raptors, except during the breeding season when they emit a clear, melodious whistle. They hunt primarily from perches, swooping down to catch prey such as invertebrates, reptiles (notably lizards), and small mammals. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1

Breeding occurs between September and November. Lizard Buzzards are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds. Both sexes participate in building small, compact nests composed of sticks, typically located in the sub-canopy of trees near the main trunk. The female lays 1–3 white eggs, which she incubates for 32–34 days, during which the male provides food. Both parents feed the chicks until they fledge at around 40 days old, achieving full independence approximately 90 days after hatching. en.wikipedia.org+1operationmigration.org+1

The Lizard Buzzard is currently classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend. However, like many raptors in Africa, they face potential threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and human disturbances. Ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts are essential to ensure their continued stability. en.wikipedia.org datazone.birdlife.org

蜥蜴鵟（Kaupifalco monogrammicus）是一種原產於撒哈拉以南非洲的小型、體態結實的猛禽。體長約35–37厘米，翼展約79厘米，雄性體重約246克，雌性略重，約304克。兩性羽毛相似，特徵為灰色的上半身、頭部和胸部，白色喉部有一條明顯的垂直黑線，白色腹部有細小的深色橫紋。牠們的眼睛從深紅棕色到黑色不等，蠟膜和腿部呈紅色至橙紅色。 oiseaux-birds.com+4birdsoftheworld.org+4en.wikipedia.org+4 animalia.bio+1en.wikipedia.org+1

這些鳥類棲息於潮濕、茂密的稀樹草原林地，特別是米奧姆布林地、森林邊緣和河流兩岸的林地。牠們也出現在乾旱的多刺灌木區域，特別是在冬季。蜥蜴鵟是獨居且安靜的猛禽，除繁殖季節外，牠們會發出清晰、悅耳的哨聲。牠們主要從棲木上獵食，俯衝捕捉獵物，如無脊椎動物、爬行動物（尤其是蜥蜴）和小型哺乳動物。

繁殖季節在9月至11月間。蜥蜴鵟是一夫一妻制，形成長期的配對關係。雙方共同建造由樹枝組成的小而緊湊的巢，通常位於靠近主幹的樹木亞冠層。雌性產下1–3枚白色的蛋，孵化期為32–34天，在此期間雄性提供食物。雙親共同餵養雛鳥，直到約40天大時離巢，並在孵化後約90天達到完全獨立。 en.wikipedia.org

蜥蜴鵟目前被國際自然保護聯盟（IUCN）列為無危物種，種群趨勢穩定。然而，與非洲的許多猛禽一樣，牠們面臨棲息地喪失、農藥使用和人類干擾等潛在威脅。持續的監測和保護工作對於確保牠們的持續穩定至關重要。