Augur buzzards are one of the most numerous types of hawks in Africa. In the Americas, the term "buzzard" generally refers to vultures, but in the Old World, the word's original meaning was "hawk". Augur buzzards are members of the Buteo genus, a group of hawks found all over the world and known for their broad wings, relatively short tails, and the ability to soar for long periods of time. Like all hawks, Augur buzzards are strict carnivores and actively hunt a variety of animals, particularly reptiles. Augur buzzards come in two color phases -- dark and light. Dark individuals are uniformly chocolate brown, while light phase birds have a dark hood and back with a bright white chest and stomach. Both color phases have a rusty, brick-red tail, yellow legs, and dark eyes.
