Black Baza

Scientific Name: Aviceda leuphotes
Malay Name: Helang-Gerigi Hitam
Chinese Name: 黑冠鹃隼

Range:
Breeds along the lower slopes of the Himalayas through continental southeast Asia. Some populations migrate south to India, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and west Java.

Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: syama, leuphotes, andamanica.

Size: 31.5-33 cm

Identification:
Distinct black and white hawk with chestnut on the wings (hard to see in flight). Pale Pied Harrier has black restricted to the head and wing tips.

Similar looking species: Pied Harrier

Habitat: Woodland.

Behaviour/Ecology: Often observed migrating in big numbers, forming tight, neatly arranged flocks when gliding. Typically arrives in Singapore later than the sparrowhawks and honey buzzards. Also frequently seen roosting in groups, especially (?) at wooded areas with high density of Acacia trees.

Local Status: Common migrant

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2021)

Location: Observed migrating across key raptor watch sites. Flocks often observed wintering around Kranji and Lorong Halus.

Featured articles:

• RAP101: How to Identify Common Raptors (ID Articles)
• Bird List Revision for May 2019 (Revisions)
• RAP301: What is that raptor? (ID Articles)

Black Baza at Jelutong Tower. Photo credit: Francis Yap

Black Baza at Faber Hill. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Black Baza at Bidadari. Photo Credit: Con Foley

Black Baza at Changi Cove. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Black Baza at Punggol Barat. Photo Credit: Francis Yap