Himalayan Buzzard Bird Details
Buteo refectus
Himalayan Buzzard,Steppe Buzzard, Common Buzzard;
Himalayan Baaz
William John Swainson in 1837.
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Buteo
Appearance :
Typically brown or dark brown with lighter underparts and variable plumage. They may have a pale or mottled appearance depending on the subspecies and individual variation. Long wings, a broad tail, and a relatively short, hooked beak. Their eyes are typically yellow or brown.
Behaviour :
Flight: Strong and soaring; often seen gliding on thermals. Monogamous; builds nests in trees or cliffs. A variety of whistles and barks; calls can be sharp and are often heard during territorial displays.
Habitat :
Open landscapes, including grasslands, mountains, and forest edges. They are often found in areas with abundant perching sites.
Diet :
Carnivorous; primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They may also scavenge on carrion. Hunts from a perch or while soaring, using keen eyesight to spot prey.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found primarily in the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia. Includes countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and parts of Pakistan.
Population Size :
The population status of the Himalayan Buzzard (Buteo refectus) is Least Concern, but the global population size and population trends are not known.
Life Span :
Generally around 15 to 20 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Medium to large raptor with robust build; strong and muscular.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 7 to 8 cm (2.8 to 3.1 inches). This is the length of the leg bone between the knee and the foot.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Broad and rounded, with a relatively small beak compared to its body size. The head often features a lighter coloration with some mottling.
- Bill: Short, hooked, and robust, suited for tearing flesh.
- Bill Length: About 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 inches).
Length :
Approximately 45 to 60 cm (17 to 24 inches).
Neck :
Moderately long and sturdy, supporting a strong head; not as elongated as in some other raptor species.
Size :
Overall size is medium to large within the raptor family, contributing to its impressive presence in the air.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Broad and relatively short compared to the wings, aiding in maneuverability during flight.
- Tail Length: Around 20 to 25 cm (7.9 to 9.8 inches).
- Feathers: The plumage is variable, typically consisting of brown to dark brown upperparts and lighter, mottled underparts. Feathers are stiff and provide excellent aerodynamics.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 800 to 1,600 grams (1.8 to 3.5 pounds).
Wing :
Long and broad wings, ideal for soaring; they have a pronounced wing structure allowing for efficient gliding and thermaling.
Wing Span :
Approximately 120 to 150 cm (47 to 59 inches).
Facial Feature :
The facial appearance is characterized by a prominent brow and relatively small eyes. The facial disk is less pronounced than in some other raptor species.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Built in trees, cliffs, or rocky ledges. Nests are usually large and can be reused in subsequent years.
- Nest Made Up Of: Constructed from twigs, branches, and various plant materials, often lined with softer materials like grass and feathers.
Breeding Season :
Typically occurs between March and June.
Nesting Season :
Most nests are established during the spring.
Egg Color :
Generally, eggs are pale blue or bluish-white with speckling or blotching that can be brown or reddish.
Egg Length :
Approximately 4.5 to 5.0 cm (1.8 to 2.0 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 3.5 to 4.0 cm (1.4 to 1.6 inches).
- Egg Weight: Typically ranges from 40 to 55 grams (1.4 to 1.9 ounces).
Clutch Size :
Usually consists of 2 to 4 eggs, although clutches of up to 5 have been recorded in some cases.
No. of Broods :
Typically, the species raises one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
Generally lasts around 30 to 35 days.
Nestling Period :
Young birds remain in the nest for about 6 to 8 weeks before fledging.
Vocalization :
Produces a variety of calls, including sharp whistles and barks, often used during courtship displays and to establish territory.
Sex Demorphism :
Generally, females are larger than males, with a greater overall body size and weight. Males tend to have slightly smaller wingspans.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Primarily a resident bird, but some populations may undertake local or altitudinal migrations, particularly in response to food availability and weather conditions.
- Migration Period: If migrations occur, they typically take place in late summer or autumn, coinciding with changing food resources.
- Migration Route: Movements are generally short-distance, with birds moving to lower elevations during the colder months and returning to higher elevations during the breeding season.