Lizard Buzzard (Kaupifalco monogrammicus)

As its name suggests, small reptiles, such as lizards and snakes, form a significant component of the lizard buzzard's diet (4) (5). However, large insects are an equally important food source and on occasion it will catch other small animals such as rodents, birds and frogs (2) (4). Typically, the lizard buzzard patiently scans the ground from a high perch, sporadically swooping down to snatch prey, which is carried back to the perch or consumed on the spot. When moving from one perch to another, it flies close to the ground in an undulating thrush-like fashion, before ascending sharply to a new vantage point (4) (5). At the start of the breeding season, which generally coincides with the dry season, pairs persistently call to each other from tree perches, but are not known to perform an aerial courtship display. The nest is built out of sticks, in the main fork or side branch of a wide variety of trees, and between one to three eggs are incubated by the female over a period of around 33 days (4) (5). During this time, the male does most of the hunting and, although normally placid, is extremely aggressive towards other birds in the vicinity of the nest (5). The young fledge after around 40 days but remain dependant on the parents for a similar period of time afterwards (4).

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