Gray-faced Buzzard Bird Details
Butastur indicus
Gray-faced Buzzard,Indian Buzzard, Indian Gray-faced Buzzard;
Bhure Rang Wala Baaj
Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788.
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Butastur
Appearance :
The Gray-faced Buzzard is characterized by its grayish face and crown. It has a brownish upper body with a distinct white belly marked with fine brown streaks. The tail is usually banded with dark and light bands. The juvenile is generally more rufous and has a less distinct facial pattern compared to the adult.
Behaviour :
It is known for its soaring flight and is often seen gliding on thermals during migration. Primarily a solitary hunter, it preys on small to medium-sized vertebrates. It is known to hunt during the day. This species migrates seasonally, moving between its breeding grounds and wintering areas.
Habitat :
Prefers open woodlands, forest edges, and grasslands with scattered trees. During migration, it can be found in a variety of habitats including open fields and lowland areas.
Diet :
Primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and insects. It also occasionally takes reptiles and amphibians.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Breeding Range: Found across parts of South Asia including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Wintering Range: Migrates to Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of Malaysia.
Population Size :
The population size is not well-documented.
Life Span :
In the wild, the life span of the Gray-faced Buzzard can be around 10 to 15 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Gray-faced Buzzard is a medium-sized bird of prey with a distinctive gray face, contrasting with its brownish body and wings. Its plumage is generally mottled with various shades of brown, which aids in camouflage.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 5.0–5.5 cm (about 2.0–2.2 inches). The tarsus is the part of the bird’s leg between the knee and the foot.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small compared to the body, with a distinctive gray face that gives the species its common name. It has a strong, hooked beak adapted for hunting.
- Bill, Bill Length: The bill is sharp and hooked, measuring around 2.5–3.0 cm (about 1.0–1.2 inches) in length, designed for tearing flesh.
Length :
Typically ranges from 39 to 46 cm (15 to 18 inches) from beak to tail.
Neck :
The neck is relatively short and robust, supporting the bird’s head and aiding in its hunting capabilities.
Size :
Medium-sized compared to other raptors, it has a robust build suited for its predatory lifestyle.
Tail Details :
Tail: The tail is long and narrow with a distinct pattern of bands. It is used for maneuverability in flight.
Tail Length: Around 19–22 cm (7.5–8.7 inches)
Weight :
Typically ranges from 400 to 650 grams (14 to 23 ounces).
Wing :
The wings are broad and rounded, suited for soaring and gliding rather than fast flapping flight.
Wing Span :
Approximately 100–115 cm (39 to 45 inches).
Facial Feature :
The most distinctive facial feature is the gray color of the face, which contrasts with the darker tones of the rest of the body. This characteristic is one of the key identifiers for the species.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is usually built in a tree, often in a high and well-hidden location. It can also be found on cliffs or occasionally in tall shrubs.
- Nest Made Up Of: Nests are constructed using sticks, twigs, and leaves. The interior is lined with softer materials like feathers and sometimes moss to provide a comfortable and secure environment for the eggs.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period for the Gray-faced Buzzard typically occurs from late March to July.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season generally aligns with the breeding period, extending from early spring to mid-summer.
Egg Color :
The eggs are generally light blue or greenish-blue, sometimes with a slight speckling of darker tones.
Egg Length :
Eggs are approximately 4.0 to 4.5 cm (about 1.6 to 1.8 inches) in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs is around 3.2 to 3.8 cm (about 1.3 to 1.5 inches).
- Egg Weight: Eggs generally weigh between 30 to 45 grams (about 1.1 to 1.6 ounces).
Clutch Size :
Typically, the clutch size is 2 to 4 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Most pairs raise a single brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 30 to 35 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestlings fledge (leave the nest) about 40 to 45 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
The Gray-faced Buzzard's vocalizations are typically high-pitched and include a series of whistling or piping calls, often described as "pee-pee-pee" or "whit-whit-whit."
Sex Demorphism :
Females are usually slightly larger than males.
Migration Details :
The Gray-faced Buzzard is a migratory bird, with its migration pattern varying by region. It migrates from its breeding grounds in Asia to wintering areas in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and northern parts of Australia. Migration typically occurs from late August to October, with return migration from March to April.
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