Eastern Buzzard

Named for the way it glides near the ground

Scientific name	Buteo japonicus
English name	Eastern Buzzard
Japanese name	鵟
Classification	Aves
Classification details	Accipitriformes Accipitridae
Full length	50-60cm
Distribution	Central to eastern Eurasia.

Characteristics

In addition to size, other ways to distinguish them are the color and the shape of their tail feathers.

In terms of color, black kites are dark brown overall, including the belly, while buzzards have a whitish belly.

The shape of the tail feathers of the black kite is triangular, while that of the buzzard is fan-shaped (roundish).

I often use the shape of the tail feathers as a basis for distinguishing them, as they can be judged only by their silhouettes.

Ecology

Inhabit forests and mountains. It preys on small animals and insects. It pauses in trees or in the air and glides to the ground to catch prey. This appearance is also the origin of the Japanese name "Nozuri". It can also act on the ground.

Habitat

Above Katakura Castle Ruins Park

As I walk through Katakura Castle Ruins Park in Hachioji City, I find myself circling in the sky above the trees. The individual I took a picture of jumped out from a low tree while I was photographing a golden catadaki.

After circling for a while, it took off toward Tsudoi no Mori Park.