What is Rufous-winged Buzzard？

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The Rufous-winged Buzzard, also known as Butastur liventer, is a bird of prey found in various parts of Asia. It is a medium-sized bird of prey that belongs to the family Accipitridae.

• Physical Description

The Rufous-winged Buzzard is a medium-sized bird, with an average length of 45-50cm and a wingspan of around 100-120cm. It has a broad head and a short, hooked beak that is used for tearing apart prey. The bird’s wings are broad and rounded, with rufous-colored feathers on the undersides that give it its name. The bird’s tail is long and rounded, with black and white bands.

• Behavior and Diet

The Rufous-winged Buzzard is a diurnal bird, meaning it is active during the day. It feeds on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. It hunts by perching on trees or other elevated positions and scanning the surrounding area for prey. Once it spots a potential target, it will swoop down to catch it.

The Rufous-winged Buzzard is known for its territorial behavior, and it will defend its territory aggressively against other birds of prey. It is also known to be quite vocal, producing a variety of calls and vocalizations to communicate with other birds and establish its territory.

• Habitat and Range

The Rufous-winged Buzzard is found in a variety of habitats, including open forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas. It is native to various parts of Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and China.

• Conservation Status

The Rufous-winged Buzzard is currently classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While there is no evidence of significant population declines, the bird is facing a range of threats, including habitat loss and degradation due to human activities, and hunting for sport and food.

The Rufous-winged Buzzard is a fascinating bird of prey with a distinctive appearance and behavior. While it is not considered to be at significant risk of extinction, conservation efforts are needed to protect the bird’s habitat and ensure its survival. As with all bird species, the Rufous-winged Buzzard plays an important role in its ecosystem and serves as a valuable indicator of environmental health.