Aviceda leuphotes syama

(Hodgson, 1837)

Vernacular names
English : Black baza
French : Baza huppard

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Accipitridae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known.

Identification
Small kite-like species reaching 35 cm in length for a weight of 224 g. Unmistakable. Head, back and breast black with long crest. White breast and belly with dark rufous and black bands. Subspecies with less rufous on back.

Range and habitat
Subspecies found from south China to Malaysia. Species also found in Andaman Islands, south-west India, Sri Lanka and possibly Myanmar. Lives in open forests and second growth, near clearings and streams to 1200 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species seems to be relatively rare in most of its range but this is because of its unobtrusive habits. Deforestation is the only major threat known.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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