Black-breasted Buzzard

The black-breasted buzzard (Hamirostra melanosternon) is a large raptor native to the vast landscapes of mainland Australia. It is a member of the Accipitridae family, which includes hawks and eagles, and is most closely related to the square-tailed kite (Lophoictinia isura). This bird is a formidable presence in the sky, boasting a wingspan that can stretch up to 156 cm. The adult plumage is a striking contrast of black with white wing panels and a mottled red across the back and shoulders, while the younger birds exhibit a paler brown with dark streaks.

Identification Tips

When observing the black-breasted buzzard, look for its long wings relative to its stout body and short square tail. The females are slightly larger than the males, with an average weight of around 1,330 grams. The red mottling on the back and shoulders can be used to distinguish individuals, especially when perched closely together.

Habitat

This buzzard favors the open woodlands and riparian forests of Australia, particularly thriving in habitats surrounded by mid-dense shrublands. It shows a significant preference for River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) open woodlands.

Distribution

The black-breasted buzzard is found across northern and inland Australia, avoiding the wetter temperate climates of Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania. Its range includes north-eastern South Australia, north-western New South Wales, northern Queensland, the Northern Territory, and the north-western regions of Western Australia.

Behaviour

The black-breasted buzzard is known for its versatility in hunting, employing various methods such as soaring, cooperative hunting, and observing from high perches. It is particularly renowned for its unique ability to use stones to crack open the eggs of ground-nesting birds, a testament to its intelligence and adaptability.

Song & Calls

The buzzard's call is a hoarse yelping, a sharp yap or yelp that can be heard across the Australian bush. The females also emit a soft wheezing call for various purposes, including soliciting the male for copulation and nest defense.

Breeding

These buzzards are monogamous, often forming lifelong pair bonds. They build large nests in tall trees, with both parents contributing to the construction. The breeding season sees the laying of two eggs, which are incubated for over a month. Interestingly, the birds add fresh greenery to their nests during the breeding cycle, possibly for medicinal purposes or as part of courtship.

Conservation status

The black-breasted buzzard is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it faces threats from habitat loss, inadvertent poisoning, and climate change. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection and revegetation to ensure the survival of this and other raptor species in arid and semi-arid Australia.