Upland Buzzard Bird Details
Buteo hemilasius
Upland Buzzard,Tibetan Buzzard, Mongolian Buzzard;
Unchai Wala Baaz
John Gould in 1863.
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Buteo
Appearance :
Generally has a dark brown upper body and pale underparts, with variable plumage patterns; may have a lighter head and mottled breast. Robust body with long wings, and a broad, short tail; the legs are relatively long.
Behaviour :
Known for its soaring flight; often seen gliding on thermals with minimal wing flapping. Monogamous; pairs can be observed during the breeding season.
Habitat :
Typically found in open grasslands, steppes, and mountainous regions, often at higher elevations. They prefer areas with sparse vegetation and perches for hunting.
Diet :
Carnivorous; primarily feeds on small mammals such as rodents, rabbits, and birds. They may also scavenge on carrion. Hunts from a perch or while soaring, using keen eyesight to spot prey from a distance.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found primarily across Central Asia and the Himalayas.
Population Size :
The exact population is difficult to determine, but the species is generally considered to have stable populations across its range.
Life Span :
Typically around 15 to 20 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Medium to large raptor with a robust and powerful build. They exhibit strong muscles, suitable for soaring and hunting.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 inches). This measurement refers to the length of the leg bone from the knee to the foot.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Broad and rounded, with a relatively small beak that is strong and hooked. The head is often lighter in color compared to the rest of the body.
- Bill: Short and robust, designed for tearing flesh.
- Bill Length: About 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 inches).
Length :
Typically ranges from 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 inches).
Neck :
Moderately long and sturdy, supporting a strong head and providing flexibility for hunting.
Size :
Generally categorized as medium to large within the raptor family, characterized by a robust body and long legs.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Broad and relatively short compared to the wings, aiding in maneuverability during flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 inches).
- Feathers: The plumage is primarily dark brown with variable lighter underparts. The feathers are stiff and help with insulation and flight.
Weight :
Generally weighs between 800 to 1,800 grams (1.8 to 4.0 pounds).
Wing :
Long and broad wings, designed for soaring and gliding; this wing structure allows the buzzard to cover large distances when hunting.
Wing Span :
Approximately 120 to 145 cm (47 to 57 inches).
Facial Feature :
The face is broad with a slight prominence at the brow; eyes are relatively small and dark.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Built in trees, on cliffs, or on rocky ledges. Nests can be substantial in size and are often reused in subsequent years.
- Nest Made Up Of: Constructed from sticks, twigs, and other plant materials, often lined with softer materials like grass, feathers, and moss for insulation.
Breeding Season :
Typically occurs from late March to June.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season aligns with the availability of prey and suitable nesting sites, usually beginning in spring.
Egg Color :
Usually pale bluish or bluish-white, often with speckling or blotching in shades of brown.
Egg Length :
Approximately 4.5 to 5.5 cm (1.8 to 2.2 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 3.5 to 4.2 cm (1.4 to 1.7 inches).
- Egg Weight: Generally ranges from 40 to 55 grams (1.4 to 1.9 ounces).
Clutch Size :
Typically consists of 2 to 4 eggs, although clutches can occasionally contain up to 5 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally, one brood is raised per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Lasts around 30 to 35 days.
Nestling Period :
Young typically fledge (leave the nest) at about 6 to 8 weeks.
Vocalization :
Produces a variety of calls, including sharp whistles and barks, especially during courtship and territorial displays.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger than males, with a greater overall body size and weight.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Primarily a resident species, but some populations may undertake local or altitudinal migrations, especially in response to seasonal changes in food availability.
- Migration Period: If migrations occur, they typically happen in late summer or autumn as birds move to lower elevations during colder months.
- Migration Route: Movements are generally short-distance; birds migrate from breeding grounds in higher elevations to lower areas for winter.