Butastur liventer
The Rufous-winged Buzzard, *Butastur liventer*, is a captivating medium-sized raptor, typically measuring 33-38 cm in length with a wingspan of 84-91 cm. Its most distinctive feature, and the source of its name, is the striking rufous-chestnut coloration on its upperwing coverts and secondaries, contrasting with a grey head, neck, and upper chest, which often show fine streaking. The back is generally brownish-grey, while the underparts are whitish to pale grey, heavily barred with rufous-bro...
Found in open woodlands, forest edges, cultivated areas, and plantations with scattered trees, primarily in lowlands up to 1,500 meters, occasionally higher.
Feeds primarily on large insects like grasshoppers, locusts, and beetles, supplemented with small reptiles (lizards, snakes), amphibians (frogs), small birds, and rodents, often caught by pouncing from a perch.
This diurnal raptor frequently perches conspicuously on elevated vantage points like dead trees, power lines, or poles, patiently scanning the ground for prey. It also engages in characteristic soaring flight, often at moderate heights, utilizing thermals before making a shallow dive to capture u...
The Rufous-winged Buzzard is predominantly a resident species across much of mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sunda Islands. Its breeding and year-round range extends from southern Myanmar and Thailand, through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It also inhabits the Malay Peninsula, though less ...
Least Concern
- The genus name *Butastur* is a clever portmanteau of *Buteo* (true buzzards) and *Astur* (an old genus for sparrowhawks), perfectly reflecting its intermediate characteristics and hunting style. - Despite its 'buzzard' designation, it frequently exhibits flight patterns and hunting agility more...