Scientific name: Buteo vulpinus
The Steppe buzzard has a rufous colour which gives this subspecies its scientific name (vulpes is Latin for "fox"). The tail of vulpinus is paler than the buteo form, and often quite rufous. The upper wings have pale primary patches, and the primary flight feathers are also paler when viewed from below. Adults have a black trailing edge to the wings, and both morphs often have plain underparts, lacking the breast band frequently seen in buteo.
It occurs in all countries of southern Africa, but it is especially common in South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana and Zimbabwe. It generally favours open habitats, such as savanna, grassland and open woodland, often moving into mosaics of croplands.
Its diet in southern Africa is not well-known, but it is thought to consist mainly of insects and small mammals. It does most of its foraging from a prominent perch, such as a tree or telephone pole, dropping onto the ground once it spots prey.
