Long-winged Harrier
Circus buffoni
Aguilucho negro
Song
Long-winged Harrier
The Long-winged Harrier (Circus buffoni) Read in Spanish
Appearance: The Long-winged Harrier is a slender raptor with long wings and a long tail. Adult males typically have gray upperparts, white underparts with fine streaking, and striking black wingtips. Adult females and juveniles exhibit a brownish plumage with streaked underparts. They have a distinctive facial pattern with a white eyebrow and dark eye patch.
Habitat: Long-winged Harriers can be found in a variety of open habitats such as grasslands, marshes, savannas, and wetlands. In Colombia, they are often seen in lowland tropical grasslands, rice fields, and agricultural areas with suitable hunting grounds.
Behavior: Long-winged Harriers are known for their low soaring flight over fields and grasslands as they hunt for small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. They use their keen eyesight to spot prey on the ground and then swoop down to capture it. These harriers are often observed flying low over vegetation or hovering in search of food.
Breeding: Long-winged Harriers typically build their nests on the ground in grassy or marshy areas. The female constructs a shallow cup-shaped nest from grass and other plant materials. They usually lay a clutch of 3-5 eggs, which are incubated by the female for about a month. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young until they fledge.
Distribution
The Long-winged Harrier (Circus buffoni)
Eastern Plains (Llanos Orientales): The Long-winged Harrier is known to inhabit the grasslands and savannas of the Eastern Plains region of Colombia. This area provides open habitats where the Long-winged Harrier can hunt for small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Orinoco River Basin: Parts of the Orinoco River Basin in Colombia also support populations of the Long-winged Harrier. The wetlands, marshes, and grassy areas along the Orinoco River provide suitable hunting grounds for this species.
Andean Foothills: The Long-winged Harrier may also be found in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, particularly in areas with grasslands and agricultural fields. These regions provide additional foraging opportunities for the harrier.
Coastal Areas: Coastal regions of Colombia, such as the Caribbean Coast and the Pacific Coast, may also host populations of the Long-winged Harrier. Coastal wetlands, estuaries, and grassy habitats can serve as important habitats for this raptor species.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
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Vocalizations
The Long-winged Harrier (Circus buffoni)
Flight Call: Long-winged Harriers produce a distinctive flight call that is described as a series of sharp, high-pitched whistles or cries.These calls are often heard during flight, especially while the harriers are soaring or actively hunting.
Alarm Call: When disturbed or threatened, Long-winged Harriers emit an alarm call that is typically a harsh, repetitive squawk or screech. This alarm call alerts other harriers or nearby individuals to potential danger or disturbances in the vicinity.
Courtship Display Calls: During courtship displays, male Long-winged Harriers may perform aerial acrobatics while vocalizing. The courtship vocalizations are often a mix of melodious whistles and chattering sounds, which are used to attract a mate and establish pair bonds.
Territorial Calls: Long-winged Harriers use vocalizations to defend their territories and communicate with neighboring individuals. Territorial calls may include aggressive chirping or squawking sounds to establish boundaries and deter intruders.
Social Calls: Within social interactions, Long-winged Harriers may use soft contact calls to maintain communication with their mate or offspring. These social calls help strengthen social bonds within family groups.
