Upland Buzzard
NameUpland Buzzard
Common NameUpland Buzzard
Scientific NameButeo hemilasius
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)130
Length (cm)65
Weight (g)1550
Plumage DetailsPlumage is highly variable, ranging from pale to dark morphs. Generally, upperparts are dark brown, while underparts are paler, often whitish or buff, with variable dark streaking on the belly and flanks, sometimes forming a distinct dark belly band. The tail is typically pale with dark barring, and the tarsi are feathered.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a mewing 'pee-ooo' or 'kyaaa' call, similar to other buzzards but often deeper and more drawn out.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across Central Asia, including Mongolia, southern Siberia, Tibet, and parts of China. Winters in southern parts of its breeding range and extends into northern India and parts of Southeast Asia.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size for a buzzard, Broad wings and relatively short tail, Feathered tarsi (legs covered in feathers down to the toes), Variable plumage, often with a pale underside and a dark belly band, Often seen in open, high-altitude environments
Description
The Upland Buzzard is a large raptor typically found in open, mountainous, and steppe habitats of Central and East Asia. It is often seen soaring or perched prominently, scanning for prey. This species exhibits considerable plumage variation, from very pale to dark morphs.
