Aviceda jerdoni
The Jerdon's Baza (*Aviceda jerdoni*) is a striking medium-sized raptor, instantly recognizable by its prominent, often shaggy crest, which lends it a distinctive 'cuckoo-hawk' appearance. Adults typically measure 43-50 cm (17-20 in) in length with a wingspan of 90-110 cm (35-43 in), showcasing dark brown upperparts and clean white underparts patterned with rufous-brown barring across the breast and belly, and a stark white throat bisected by a dark central stripe. Its large, bright yellow ey...
Found primarily in tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, often near forest edges or clearings, and sometimes in plantations. It typically inhabits lowlands but can be found at elevations up to 1,500 meters, occasionally higher.
Feeds predominantly on large insects such as mantids, grasshoppers, cicadas, and beetles, which it snatches from foliage or in flight. It also supplements its diet with small reptiles, amphibians, and occasionally small birds or rodents.
Jerdon's Baza is a diurnal raptor that exhibits a unique blend of hunting techniques, often perching high in the canopy to scan for prey before swooping down in a classic 'perch-and-pounce' style. It's also known to fly slowly just above the forest canopy, skillfully snatching large insects direc...
The Jerdon's Baza is a resident species distributed across a wide swathe of South and Southeast Asia, from the Himalayan foothills eastwards. Its primary breeding range encompasses northeast India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Indochina, and the Malay Peninsula, extending into th...
Least Concern
- The 'Baza' in its name is thought to originate from a local Indian term for these birds, highlighting their indigenous recognition. - Its alternative name, 'Cuckoo-hawk,' refers to its crested appearance, which can superficially resemble some cuckoos, rather than any parasitic breeding behavior...