The Cape Bird Club

Western Cape Raptor Research Programme –  Jackal Buzzards.

Jackal Buzzards of the Cape Peninsula by Lucia Rodrigues.      new 21/02/2009

2008 was a good Jackal Buzzard year for me because I managed to find almost all of the nests of eleven pairs, along the peninsula mountain chain. All the bits and pieces of information I have over time, been taking note of during my rambles, fell into place during this last breeding season. The thrill of triumph when I locate the nest is addictive, because Jackal Buzzards are wily birds who do not easily give up their secrets.

Only two of the nests are in trees; dead bluegums on the slopes of southern peninsula and the distance between them is 4.7kms. The rest are all on cliffs with no discernable nest structure, which makes locating the exact spot a laborious affair of watching the birds for hours, until they eventually take prey onto the nest. The nests are well hidden behind a variety of foliage on open ledges. As a matter of fact, the only nest that is tucked away under a neat overhang, is on a peak. The shortest distance between the nests of two pairs is 2.4kms and those are the pairs that breed on the western side of the peninsula. The longest distance I have recorded, thus far, between two nests is 14kms and that is also on the western side. However, I have by no means located all the pairs on the peninsula.
The map I have included shows that “down south” there are areas not fully explored yet.

                                                                      photograph by Greg Morgan

Greg Morgan photographed this juvenile Jackal Buzzard near Muizenberg in December 2007.

In 2008, two pairs did not breed or failed in their attempt. Suffice be it to say, I never saw them carry prey onto a nest and numerous subsequent visits never turned up fledged chicks. The remaining nine pairs produced eleven chicks between them, all of which fledged successfully. (two pairs produced two chicks each) The two most successful pairs are in the Tokai area.
The Kleinkop pair has been reported on before in Promerops (Nov 2003 no. 256). So far it’s the only pair that has more than one nest. In 2005, and now again in 2008, they produced two chicks. Their second nest, which they used in 2007, is about 200metres further along, also on the ridge. They have produced six chicks in the four consecutive breeding seasons.The Tokai pair has a nest in a dead bluegum. They have produced two chicks every year since 2006.

I am in the throes of compiling a gallery of photographs of the birds I am watching. Their individual markings are quite unique and I am hoping it will allow me to monitor the arrival of newcomers and how long pairs remain intact.

I’d like to thank Ann Koeslag, Andrew Jenkins and Anthony van Zyl for their assistance and encouragement; Gail Davies for supplying records and photographs of the Kleinkop pair, and Greg Morgan for allowing me to use one of his superb photographs.

photograph by Lucia Rodrigues

A male Jackal Buzzard near a nesting site.

03/08/2006 – I "found" this nest today, thanks to Anthony's precise directions. We are not sure how sucessful they are going to be because it will be quite easy for baboons to get to it.
Both male and female were in attendance, with lots of activity and nestbuilding. Incubation has not started yet.

Please contact Lucia Rodrigues with any sightings of Jackal Buzzards.

083 325 8881
email  signet@webafrica.org.za