Hamirostra melanosternon
The Black-breasted Buzzard (Hamirostra melanosternon) is a majestic and highly specialized raptor endemic to the arid and semi-arid interiors of mainland Australia. It is a large bird of prey, typically measuring 50-60 cm in length with an impressive wingspan of 130-150 cm, and weighing 1.1-1.4 kg. Adults are predominantly dark brown to blackish on the head and underparts, with striking pale cream to white patches at the base of the primaries on the underwing, often referred to as 'carpal pat...
Found in arid and semi-arid woodlands, savannas, and grasslands of inland Australia, often near watercourses or rocky outcrops with tall trees for nesting and perching.
Primarily consumes reptiles (lizards, snakes), small mammals, birds, and carrion. It famously specializes in cracking open and eating the eggs of large ground-nesting birds, such as Emus and Bustards.
This diurnal raptor spends much of its day soaring high on thermals, meticulously scanning the landscape below for prey. Roosting typically occurs in the tallest available trees. Foraging strategies include hunting from these high soaring flights or from prominent perches, diving swiftly upon uns...
The Black-breasted Buzzard is endemic to mainland Australia, with a widespread but generally sparse distribution across the arid and semi-arid interior. Its primary range encompasses significant portions of Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, and the interior o...
Least Concern
- The Black-breasted Buzzard is one of the only known birds of prey globally to use tools (stones or sticks) to break open large eggs. - It is one of Australia's largest and most powerful raptors, sometimes mistaken for a small eagle due to its robust build. - Its scientific name, *melanosternon*...