A Majestic Bird Of Prey Wearing A Highly Distinctive Thickly Barred Vest Topped Off By A Rather Poignant Crest!

A highly distinctive raptor wearing a thick white breast band and rusty-edged white stripes on the belly and slender crest may be held vertically or at an angle when the bird is at rest.

The adult male black baza (Aviceda leuphotes) displays black plumage on the head, neck, and upperparts. Some variations of chestnut markings can be seen on the lower back, scapulars, and greater wing-coverts. The secondary flight feathers exhibit patches of chestnut and white. The tail is black. On the underparts, the throat is black, and there is a distinct white breast band bordered by a narrow black stripe and variable chestnut band. The belly is generally rufous with buff barring. The vent, undertail-coverts, and thighs are black. The coverts on the underwing are black, while the primary flight feathers appear greyish. The secondaries, tertials, and undertail feathers are darker grey. The head is adorned with a prominent long, black crest on the hind crown. The bill is blackish with a dark blue-grey cere. Notably, the upper mandible features two characteristic “teeth” on each side. The eyes are reddish-brown, and the legs and feet are dull greyish-black.

The female closely resembles the male but lacks the white patches on the secondaries.

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Juveniles have a duller plumage compared to adults, with white streaks on the black throat and brown streaks on the white breast band. Their crest is slightly shorter than that of adults.

The Black Baza is found in South and Southeast Asia, with most populations being migratory. The “syama” subspecies ranges from northeastern India and eastern Nepal to southern China, wintering southwards through Indochina and the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra. The “leuphotes” subspecies occurs in southwestern India, southern Burma, and western Thailand, breeding in various parts of Indochina. The “andamanica” subspecies is found in the southern Andaman Islands, with the northernmost populations migrating southwards through the Malay Peninsula to winter in Sumatra.

The Black Baza inhabits open deciduous or evergreen tropical forests, often near clearings, streams, or rivers. Its range extends from sea level up to 1500 meters in elevation, with breeding occurring between 100 and 1200 meters. During the non-breeding season, they form communal roosts outside the breeding areas, sometimes frequenting orchards and gardens near villages and hunting over rice fields.

Feeding primarily on large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, mantids, and moths, the Black Baza also preys on lizards, tree frogs, and occasionally small mammals, bats, and birds. It hunts from concealed perches but can also snatch prey from foliage by briefly hovering in front of the vegetation. It performs short flights through the canopy, moving between perches and through insect swarms or passerine communal roosts. It may hunt in small flocks and is more active during dusk.

In terms of vocalizations, the Black Baza is vocal both in flight and when perched. It produces soft, quavering, plaintive, or whistling notes, usually in sets of one, two, or three. It also emits shrill mewing sounds reminiscent of gulls, as well as a weak scream like “chu-weep” or “k-leeep.” Harsh squawks are also heard when the birds are in groups.

The Black Baza is often observed in pairs or family groups, and it also forms small groups of 4-5 birds perched together in the same tree. During winter, they gather in communal night-time roosts with groups of up to 20-25 birds. Their diet primarily consists of large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, mantids, and moths. It also captures lizards, tree frogs, and occasionally small mammals, bats, and birds.

Breeding season varies across its range but typically occurs between February and June. Both males and females construct a small, compact nest using twigs and thin sticks in a large tree within the forest, usually located 20 to 30 meters above the ground and near water. The nest’s shallow cup is lined with soft materials like grass, plant fibers, and green leaves. The female lays 2-3 eggs, and incubation is shared by both parents. The chicks are fed with insects.

Although not much is known about its aerial displays, the Black Baza soars at great heights during migration and generally flies low with deep wing-beats and occasional glides on nearly flat wings. It is also regarded as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

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