Black Baza

Aviceda leuphotes

Family: Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks · Status: Common migrant · Size: 31.5–33 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Resident in northeastern India, Nepal, southern China including Hainan Island, and Indochina. Some populations migrate south through the Thai-Malay Peninsula to Sumatra and Java.

Identification

Distinctive small, black raptor with a white upper breast, a black band on the lower breast, and brown and white barring on the belly. Crest prominent when perched. Upperparts black with chestnut and white patches on secondaries. Males have fewer belly bands than females. Juvenile duller and browner.

Habitat

Woodland and wooded areas; also roosting communally in trees, particularly around wooded patches with dense vegetation, on passage and in winter.

Behaviour

Often migrates in large flocks. Hunts insects by sallying from a high perch.