White-eyed Buzzard Bird Details
Butastur teesa
White-eyed Buzzard,Indian Buzzard, Teesa Buzzard;
Safed-Aankh Wala Gidh
James Franklin, 1831
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Butastur
India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh), Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Southern China
Appearance :
Adult is characterized by a brownish upper body and pale underparts. Notably white eyes with a dark ring around them, giving it a distinct appearance. Dark mottling on the wings with broad white bars; tail feathers are banded.
Behaviour :
Generally solitary or found in pairs. Territorial during the breeding season, often seen soaring alone in search of prey.
Habitat :
Prefers open habitats, including grasslands, scrublands, and agricultural fields. Often seen near water bodies or in dry, rocky areas.
Diet :
Primarily feeds on small mammals (like rodents), birds, reptiles, and large insects. Hunts by soaring high in the sky or perching on trees or poles to scan for prey.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found across the Indian subcontinent, including parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Range extends to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Population Size :
Estimated global population is considered large but has not been quantified.
Life Span :
Can live up to 15-20 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: A medium-sized raptor with a robust build and a distinct appearance, characterized by its white eyes and brownish plumage.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 7.5 to 8.5 cm (3.0 to 3.3 in), providing strong support for perching and hunting.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Rounded with a relatively small size compared to the body.
- Eyes: Distinctive bright white eyes, a key identifying feature.
- Bill: Short, hooked, and robust, adapted for tearing flesh.
- Bill Length: About 2.5 to 3 cm (1.0 to 1.2 in).
Length :
Ranges from 45 to 55 cm (17 to 22 in).
Neck :
Moderately long and strong.
Size :
Comparable in size to a crow.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Square and slightly rounded, aiding in maneuverability during flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 20 to 25 cm (7.9 to 9.8 in).
- Feathers: Upperparts are brownish, while the underparts are pale with dark streaks. Wings are broad and may show dark mottling with white bars.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 700 and 1,200 grams (1.5 to 2.6 lbs).
Wing :
Broad and slightly rounded at the tips, providing good lift for soaring.
Wing Span :
Ranges from 120 to 130 cm (47 to 51 in)
Facial Feature :
The White-eyed Buzzard has distinct white eyes surrounded by a dark facial mask, contributing to its striking appearance. The bill is short, hooked, and well-suited for its diet.
Nest Details :
- Nest Location: Often built in trees or on cliffs, typically in areas with good visibility for hunting.
- Nest Structure: Built using sticks, branches, and lined with softer materials such as grass and leaves.
- Nest Made Up Of: Sticks and twigs, Grass, Leaves, Occasionally, feathers may be used for lining.
Breeding Season :
Generally occurs between January and May.
Nesting Season :
Typically lays eggs in early spring.
Egg Color :
Typically white or pale bluish with reddish-brown or purplish speckles.
Egg Length :
Approximately 4.2 to 4.7 cm (1.65 to 1.85 in).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 3.3 to 3.5 cm (1.30 to 1.38 in).
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 25 to 30 grams (0.88 to 1.05 oz).
Clutch Size :
Usually consists of 2 to 3 eggs, but can occasionally have 1 to 4 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally raises one brood per breeding season
Incubation Period :
Lasts about 28 to 30 days.
Nestling Period :
The chicks fledge after approximately 40 to 45 days.
Vocalization :
Typically produces a series of high-pitched, whistling calls.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: The White-eyed Buzzard is generally considered a resident species within its range. However, it may undertake local movements in response to seasonal changes or food availability.
- Migration Period: While they are primarily residents, some local movements can occur during the post-breeding season (late summer to early autumn) to find food.
- Migration Route: Any migratory movements are usually localized, with individuals moving between open habitats and rural areas in search of prey, particularly during dry seasons.
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