Black Baza Bird Details
Aviceda leuphotes
Black Baza
Kaale Baaz
Charles Henri Dumont, 1820
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Aviceda
India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Appearance :
The Black Baza is a medium-sized raptor with a distinctive appearance. It has a black head, a white underbelly, and a dark brown back. Its wings are broad and rounded, and it features a distinctive white patch on the base of the tail and white spots on the underwings. The legs and feet are yellowish.
Behaviour :
This bird is known for its agile flight and impressive aerial displays. Black Bazas often hunt in pairs or small groups. They have a characteristic soaring flight and are known for their silent hunting tactics. The species is typically seen gliding or soaring high in the sky, and they are known for their slow, deliberate wing beats.
Habitat :
The Black Baza inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, especially those with a dense canopy. They are often found in areas with a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees, as well as in forest edges and clearings.
Diet :
The diet of the Black Baza mainly consists of insects and small vertebrates. They hunt small birds, reptiles, and large insects like beetles and grasshoppers.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Black Baza is found across a wide range in Southeast Asia. Its distribution includes countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Population Size :
The species is considered to be relatively common within its range.
Life Span :
Live up to around 15 years.
Body And Tarsus:
Body: The Black Baza is a medium-sized raptor with a compact body and a short neck. It has a robust build, adapted for agile flight and hunting.
Tarsus: Approximately 4.5 to 5.5 cm (1.8 to 2.2 inches).
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small and rounded compared to other raptors. It features a dark crown and face with contrasting white eyebrows.
- Bill: The bill is hooked and sharp, suited for tearing flesh. It is relatively short and robust.
- Bill Length: About 2.5 to 3 cm (1 to 1.2 inches).
Length :
Ranges from 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16 inches).
Neck :
The neck is short and sturdy, in proportion to its body size.
Size :
Medium-sized compared to other raptors.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long, broad, and slightly rounded. It is marked with white bands and a distinctive white patch at the base.
- Tail Length: Approximately 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches).
Weight :
Typically weighs between 300 to 450 grams (10.5 to 16 ounces).
Wing :
The wings are broad and rounded, adapted for soaring flight. They are relatively short compared to the length of the body.
Wing Span :
Approximately 75 to 85 cm (30 to 33 inches).
Facial Feature :
The Black Baza has a distinctive facial appearance with a dark head and pale, contrasting cheeks. The eyes are relatively large and dark, contributing to its keen predatory vision.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is usually built in a fork of a tree, often in dense foliage. It is a relatively open structure, which provides a good vantage point for the adults while also being sheltered from predators.
- Nest Made Up Of: Nests are constructed from sticks and twigs and lined with leaves, grass, and other plant materials.
Breeding Season :
Typically breeds during the summer months.
Nesting Season :
Nesting occurs from late March to August.
Egg Color :
Generally pale blue to greenish, sometimes with light speckling or blotching.
Egg Length :
Approximately 3.2 to 3.5 cm (1.3 to 1.4 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 2.5 to 2.8 cm (1 to 1.1 inches).
- Egg Weight: The weight of the eggs is about 15 to 20 grams (0.5 to 0.7 ounces).
Clutch Size :
The typical clutch size is 2 to 3 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Raises a single brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Approximately 28 to 35 days.
Nestling Period :
About 40 to 45 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
The vocalizations of the Black Baza are typically sharp and high-pitched calls, often described as "kik-kik-kik" or "wheek-wheek."
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally slightly larger than males.
Migration Details :
- Northern Population (e.g., in India and northern parts of Southeast Asia):
- Spring Migration: Typically, Black Bazas begin their northward migration from their wintering grounds in Southeast Asia to their breeding areas in northern India, Nepal, and other parts of South Asia around March to April.
- Autumn Migration: After the breeding season, they migrate southward back to their wintering grounds starting in September to October.
Southern Population (e.g., in southern parts of Southeast Asia): Non-Migratory or Partial Migration:
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