Scientific Discovery: Long-legged Buzzard Migrates Backwards

What can the raptors of the coastal plain teach us about the state of open spaces in Israel, the importance of responsible management of these areas, and finding a balance between the need for development and the need for environmental protection?


A research study on this topic, undertaken by postgraduate student Gilad Friedman in cooperation with KKL JNF and other organizations, was presented at the 32nd Annual Bird Watching Conference, December 26, 2011 at Tel Aviv University. Friedman’s research received much attention, because it revealed a surprising discovery. The Long-legged Buzzard, which is considered a stable bird (one that does not migrate), does in fact migrate. Furthermore, it migrates in the opposite direction from most bird species - from south to north!

The conference was organized by the Tel Aviv University Zoology Department, the Multidisciplinary Center for Bird Migration Research in Latrun and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI). About one thousand people, experts as well as bird lovers, came to hear a variety of lectures about the winged world.

The speakers included Dr. Yossi Leshem on Hoopoe Foundation Activities, Ohad Hatzofe (Pelican Migration), Yoav Perlman (Nesting Survey in the Negev), Roni Malka and Roni Levana (Harassment by Photographers), Dan Alon (Bird Watching Tourism), Alon Rothschild (Nature Preservation), Dr. Eran Levine (Insect Bats in the Jordan Valley) and Amir Ben Dov (The Yellow-legged Gull), and there was an exhibition of spectacular bird photographs for the participants to enjoy in between the presentations.
Friedman’s research began pursuant to a curious phenomenon—the move of the Long-legged Buzzard from the precipices of the Judean Hills to the trees of the Judean Plain. This move instigated competition between the buzzards and the Short-toed Eagle, a bird of prey of another species.


KKL JNF has a unique interest in this research and therefore assists in covering its costs. Many of the ninety nests located by Friedman in the Lachish region are in KKL JNF forests. The raptors often choose to nest in trees that are on the edge of the forest, thereby safeguarding easy access to the open fields where they prey without forfeiting the protection provided by the forest.

Another topic relevant to KKL JNF is the effect of human activity and development on the ecosystem. Experts propose that the move of the Long-legged Buzzard from the Judean Hills to the plain is due to urban development, the expansion of natural woodland and the planting of forests. These ecological changes compelled the raptor to seek new locations and adapt to living in trees and not on mountaintops.

As a result of the transition, competition began with the current occupants of the area, the Short-toed Eagles. Evidently man’s activities in one area could indirectly affect another species in another area. The rivalry between these two species has never been investigated. In general, the Long-legged Buzzard is a species about which very little research or documentation has been done.

The state of raptors is a good indication of the state of their habitat, because they are at the top of the food chain. If raptors are proliferating, it is a sign that there is other wildlife in the area.

In his research, Friedman visits the nests, collects data on the development of the young and analyzes the food remains. He also conducts fieldwork studies using stuffed birds in order to observe territorial aggression. All the work is done with the permission of the Nature Reserves Authority.

Friedman’s research began pursuant to a curious phenomenon—the move of the Long-legged Buzzard from the precipices of the Judean Hills to the trees of the Judean Plain. This move instigated competition between the buzzards and the Short-toed Eagle, a bird of prey of another species.


KKL JNF has a unique interest in this research and therefore assists in covering its costs. Many of the ninety nests located by Friedman in the Lachish region are in KKL JNF forests. The raptors often choose to nest in trees that are on the edge of the forest, thereby safeguarding easy access to the open fields where they prey without forfeiting the protection provided by the forest.

Another topic relevant to KKL JNF is the effect of human activity and development on the ecosystem. Experts propose that the move of the Long-legged Buzzard from the Judean Hills to the plain is due to urban development, the expansion of natural woodland and the planting of forests. These ecological changes compelled the raptor to seek new locations and adapt to living in trees and not on mountaintops.

As a result of the transition, competition began with the current occupants of the area, the Short-toed Eagles. Evidently man’s activities in one area could indirectly affect another species in another area. The rivalry between these two species has never been investigated. In general, the Long-legged Buzzard is a species about which very little research or documentation has been done.

The state of raptors is a good indication of the state of their habitat, because they are at the top of the food chain. If raptors are proliferating, it is a sign that there is other wildlife in the area.

In his research, Friedman visits the nests, collects data on the development of the young and analyzes the food remains. He also conducts fieldwork studies using stuffed birds in order to observe territorial aggression. All the work is done with the permission of the Nature Reserves Authority.

http://www.jpost.com/GreenIsrael/PEOPLEANDTHEENVIRONMENT/Article.aspx?id=251236