Eastern Buzzard

Named for its gliding appearance near the ground.

Scientific name	Buteo japonicus
English name	Eastern Buzzard
Japanese name	鵟
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Accipitridae
Genus	Buteo
Species	japonicus
Full length	Approximately 50-60cm. Wingspan exceeds 1m.
Distribution	Central to Eastern Eurasia.

Eastern Buzzard Characteristics and Morphology

A raptor slightly smaller than a Black Kite (Milvus migrans). Females are slightly larger than males.
The head is brown with a sharp, black beak. The cheeks are somewhat whitish. The collar (chest) is round and white. The tips of the wings and back are blackish-brown. The underside is generally pale brown, giving a whitish impression when viewed from below. The tail feathers have a fan-like silhouette.
Apart from size, distinguishing features include color and tail feather shape. The Black Kite is overall dark brown, including the underside, while the Common Buzzard has a whitish underside. The tail feathers of the Black Kite are triangular, while those of the Common Buzzard are fan-shaped (roundish). Since it can be judged by silhouette alone, the author often uses the shape of the tail feathers as a basis for identification.

Male

Smaller than females, with a stronger brown coloration.

Female

Larger than males, with a whitish appearance.

Song

Sounds like "pee-pee".

Eastern Buzzard Ecology

Habitat

Widely inhabits forests, woodlands, and riverbeds.

Food

Preys on small animals and insects. It hovers in the air or on trees, then glides close to the ground to catch prey.

Life Cycle

Forms territories and breeds.

Eastern Buzzard Photos

Eastern Buzzard Photos are introduced.
Tap the photo to open the detail page.

The tips of the wings are blackish-brown.

Eastern Buzzard Behavior

May come down to the ground to forage.

Eastern Buzzard Information

Naming

The Japanese name "No-suri" (野擦り) comes from its appearance of flying close to the ground. The specific name "japonicus" refers to this species inhabiting East Asia, including Japan, as the name suggests.

Eastern Buzzard Found Locations

Above Katakurajōshiseki Park

While walking in Katakurajōshiseki Park, Hachiōji, they can sometimes be seen circling in the sky above the trees. The individual in the photo flew out of a tree at a low position when I was photographing a Goldcrest. It circled for a while and then flew off towards the Tsudoi-no-Mori Park.

Midstream of the Tama River

The Common Buzzard is often seen in the midstream area of the Tama River. They circle in the sky when the temperature rises before noon. Crows often fly out and mob the Common Buzzard, driving it away.

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