White-eyed Buzzards

A small greyish-brown hawk, about 45cm long, the White-eyed Buzzard has a white throat, two dark cheek stripes, brown and white underparts, and orange-yellow cere. Eyes white or yellowish-white, conspicuous at close quarters.

A whitish nuchal patch and buffish wing shoulders provide additional clues to its identity. 

Bird Group:

Raptors (also known as birds of prey)

Identification

The White Eyed Buzzard is a medium-sized, slender raptor. Its striking, white iris gives it its name. Adults are mostly brown. They have a white throat with a dark vertical stripe. A yellow cere (base) and a rufous tail. The feather tips are dark, which creates a striking contrast when the bird soars. Another key feature is a distinct patch of white on the nape. The juveniles differ from adults in that they have a buff colored head and brown eyes. They also have a generally paler plumage. 

It is usually found in open, dry habitats such as scrublands, grasslands, dry deciduous forest and cultivated agricultural land. It avoids dense forest and very wet areas. It is an opportunistic hunter that feeds primarily on insects such as beetles and grasshoppers, as well as small mammals, reptiles and sometimes amphibians. The White-eyed Buzzard hunts either by perching on poles or trees to observe prey, or by soaring high on thermals. It is often seen circling alone in the sky. It is usually a solitary bird, but it can be seen occasionally in pairs or small groups consisting of two to three. This is especially true outside the breeding period. 

White-eyed Buzzards have a distinct and plaintive, mewing call. They also whistle a descending note. This is often done in flight or while perched. Although not as vocally as other raptors’ calls, the White-eyed Buzzard’s call can help you identify it, especially in open areas where it is hard to see from afar.

Songs & Calls

A not unpleasant, plaintive mewing, usually uttered when pairs soar in circles high up in the air.

Location

The White-Eyed Buzzard is a raptor native to South Asia. Its range includes countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and eastern Iran. The White-eyed Buzzard is a resident in the majority of its range. However, some local movements can occur due to seasonal changes and the availability of prey. 

This buzzard can be found in open, dry habitats such as scrublands, grasslands, dry deciduous forest and thorny woods. The buzzard is also tolerant of human-altered landscapes, such as cultivated and agricultural landscapes. This is especially true where pesticides are not used and prey species are still available. It tends to avoid dense forest and wet habitats and prefers semiarid regions, where visibility and space for flight are ideal for hunting. 

The White-eyed Buzzard is often seen perched atop poles, trees or other elevated places to scan open terrain for prey. The White-eyed Buzzard’s ability to adapt to different landscapes and ecosystems has allowed it to maintain a stable population across many regions. However, local pressures continue to pose a threat to its long-term survival.

Habitat

Usually occur singly, in open scrub country. Affects dry open country and thin deciduous forests, and avoids humid and densely wooded tracts. Rather sluggish. Perches on dry trees, telegraph posts, etc., and swoops down on its prey. Often in company with larger birds of prey, the silhouette of the rounded wings is reminiscent of the Shikra.

Behaviour 

The White-eyed buzzard (Butastur Teesa), a solitary raptor, is often seen soaring in thermals and perched motionless atop utility poles or fence posts to scan its surroundings for prey. Although they are usually silent, they become louder during the breeding season. This is especially true when they interact in pairs. They make a distinct plaintive squealing or descending whistling call, which is often heard by birds in flight or during courtship displays.  According to Bug Guide, this species is well documented.

The buzzard’s diet reflects its adaptable hunting style. The buzzards eat a variety of bugs. They are especially fond of grasshoppers and locusts. They also eat large caterpillars that they grab from the ground. They also hunt small vertebrates like mice and lizards. This varied and flexible diet is partly responsible for their ability to thrive across semi-arid and agricultural environments, as well as open woodland habitats.   According to iNaturalist, this species is well documented.

White-eyed buzzards are usually seen alone. However, they may be seen in groups and pairs, especially outside of the breeding season. The calmness of their demeanour and the relative lack of aggression they show towards conspecifics outside nesting season reflect a nonterritorial attitude.

Feeding

Locusts, grasshoppers, crickets and other large insects, as well as mice, lizards and frogs.

Breeding

The season is principally February to May. Nest: a loose, unlined cup of twigs like that of a crow up in the fork of a thickly foliaged tree, such as mango, preferably one in a grove.

Eggs-3, greenish-white broad ovals of a fairly smooth texture. Both sexes share nest-building and feeding young; the female alone incubates.

References

1. BirdLife International (2004). Butastur teesa. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
2. Grewal, Bikram; Bill Harvey and Otto Pfister (2002). A photographic guide to birds of India. Periplus Editions / Princeton University Press. p. 203
3. Ali, Salim; J C Daniel (1983). The Book of Indian Birds, Twelfth Centenary edition. Bombay Natural History Society/Oxford University Press.

Conservation Status

The White-eyed Buzzard, as it stands today, is not considered a globally threatened species and is common throughout its range. The relative stability of the White-eyed Buzzard is due to its ability to tolerate different habitats, including open landscapes.

Despite this resilience, local pressures could have a long-term impact on populations. Loss of habitat due to urbanization, pesticide use, and agricultural intensification can reduce the availability of prey and nesting areas. In some areas, there is also a risk of poisoning and persecution.

It is important to continue monitoring the White-eyed buzzard in order to make sure that it remains a vital part of South Asia’s raptor population. Conservation efforts should be focused on maintaining open habitats and pesticide-free farming, as well as educating local populations about the importance of raptors to the ecosystem.

Conclusion

With its white eyes and silent hunter prowess, the White-eyed Buzzard is an amazing bird of prey. It enriches ecosystems in South Asia. The White-eyed Buzzard’s ability to adapt to changing environments, such as cultivated fields or dry scrub, and its opportunistic hunter strategies, allow it to thrive and survive.

The White-eyed buzzard is often overlooked by larger or more dramatic raptors. However, its calm and observant nature is essential to maintaining balance in semiarid environments. It maintains healthy ecological dynamics by controlling insect and small vertebrate population.

To protect this species, it is important to value the open habitats that it lives in and promote coexistence between people and wildlife. The White-eyed buzzard’s tale is a powerful reminder of the important role that each species plays in nature. It is a sentinel, silently watching and soaring over the land it calls home.