Himalayan Buzzard
NameHimalayan Buzzard
Common NameHimalayan Buzzard
Scientific NameButeo refectus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)120
Length (cm)51.5
Weight (g)900
Plumage DetailsHighly variable, but generally dark brown upperparts. Underparts are typically paler, ranging from whitish to buff, often heavily streaked or barred with brown, particularly on the belly and flanks. The throat and chest can be pale, and the tail is usually barred.
Vocalization / CallA characteristic drawn-out, mewing 'pee-yow' or 'keee-yaah' call, often given while soaring or perched.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the Himalayas, from northern Pakistan eastward through Nepal, Bhutan, and into parts of Tibet and southwestern China. Winters at lower elevations or migrates south to parts of Southeast Asia.
Identifying FeaturesBroad, rounded wings, Relatively short, fanned tail, Variable brown and white plumage with streaking on underparts, Often seen soaring in circles or perched prominently, Typical buzzard silhouette
Description
A medium-sized raptor with broad wings and a relatively short tail. It exhibits variable plumage, typically brown above with paler, streaked underparts, often seen perching on prominent branches or soaring.
