Jerdon’s Baza is a medium-sized raptor with distinctive plumage. It has a pale grey head and underparts with a darker grey back and wings. The tail is blackish with white tips and bands. Its striking features include a white nape and a black stripe running through its eye.
Behaviour :
It is known for its solitary and territorial nature. This bird is often seen perched quietly in its habitat or soaring in the sky. It hunts primarily during the day, using its keen vision to spot prey from high perches.
Habitat :
erdon’s Baza prefers forested or wooded areas, particularly in hilly or mountainous regions. It is often found in tropical and subtropical forests.
Diet :
The diet of Jerdon’s Baza mainly consists of insects, small reptiles, and occasionally small birds. It uses its sharp talons and beak to capture and handle prey.
Conservation Status :
Near Threatened
Distribution :
This species is found in parts of South Asia, including India and Sri Lanka. It is generally distributed in the hilly and forested regions of these countries.
Population Size :
A relatively small population with declining trends due to habitat destruction.
Life Span :
Live up to 15-20 years under optimal conditions.
Body And Tarsus:
Body: Jerdon’s Baza is a medium-sized raptor with a robust build, adapted for its hunting and perching lifestyle.
Tarsus: The tarsus length of Jerdon’s Baza is approximately 65-75 mm. This measurement is the length of the lower leg bone, from the knee to the foot.
Head And Bill :
Head: The head of Jerdon’s Baza is relatively small in proportion to its body, with a distinct raptor-like shape. It is characterized by a hooked beak and a relatively short neck.
Bill: The bill of Jerdon’s Baza is moderately curved and sharp. The bill length is around 30-35 mm.
Length :
The total length of Jerdon’s Baza is about 45-50 cm. This measurement includes the head, body, and tail.
Neck :
The neck is short and robust, supporting the bird’s head and aiding in its hunting abilities.
Size :
Jerdon’s Baza is medium-sized among raptors, with males and females being similar in size, though females may be slightly larger.
Tail Details :
Tail: The tail is long and graduated, aiding in maneuverability during flight. It is often marked with distinctive bands or patterns.
Tail Length: The tail length is approximately 25-30 cm.
Weight :
The weight of Jerdon’s Baza ranges from 400 to 600 grams, with females typically being heavier than males.
Wing :
The wings are broad and somewhat rounded, adapted for soaring and gliding. The shape aids in maneuverability and stability during flight.
Wing Span :
The wingspan of Jerdon’s Baza is about 100-115 cm.
Facial Feature :
erdon’s Baza has a distinctive facial appearance with a relatively small head, a hooked beak, and large, expressive eyes. The face often has a raptor-like, intense look, suitable for spotting prey from a distance.
Nest Details :
Nest: The nest of Jerdon’s Baza is usually built high in trees, often in a fork or on a horizontal branch. It is a platform-style nest that can be quite conspicuous due to its size and the nesting material used.
Nest Made Up Of: The nest is constructed from a variety of materials including twigs, branches, and leaves.
Breeding Season :
Typically breeds during the dry season, but generally occurs between March and June.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season aligns with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
Generally pale blue or white with possible speckles or blotches of brown.
Egg Length :
The length of the eggs is about 40-45 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
Egg Width: The width of the eggs is approximately 30-35 mm.
Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 30-40 grams.
Clutch Size :
The typical clutch size for Jerdon’s Baza is 2 to 3 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally raises a single brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts approximately 30-35 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestling period, before fledging, is about 45-50 days.
Vocalization :
The vocalizations of Jerdon’s Baza include a range of calls used for communication between mates and for territory defense. These calls can include whistles, chirps, and harsh screeches.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are typically slightly larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
They typically does not migrate over long distances. Instead, it remains within its established territory year-round.
