Upland Buzzard

The Upland Buzzard, Buteo hemilasius, stands as the largest member of its genus, a majestic raptor of considerable size. With a wingspan stretching between 143 to 161 cm and a body length of 57 to 72 cm, it commands the skies with a formidable presence. Males typically weigh between 950 to 1,400 grams, while females, slightly heavier, range from 970 to 2,050 grams. This species exhibits a robust build, long wings, and a relatively elongated tail, presenting an almost eagle-like silhouette against the backdrop of its mountainous realm.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing the Upland Buzzard can be a challenge due to its similarity to other buzzards. It shares its range with the Long-legged, Himalayan, and Eastern Buzzards, necessitating careful observation for accurate identification. The Upland Buzzard can be recognized by its larger size and the absence of the warmer, rufous tones seen in the Long-legged Buzzard. Its pale morph displays a whitish chest with dark brown markings, while the dark morph is almost uniformly black-brown. In flight, the pale morph reveals a striking blackish patagium mark, contrasting with lighter brown coverts.

Habitat

The Upland Buzzard favors open, high-elevation landscapes, often found soaring above alpine meadows, upland steppes, and plateaus. It is also known to frequent cultivated lands during both summer and winter months.

Distribution

This buzzard's breeding heartland spans across Mongolia and China, with extensions into southern Siberia, eastern Tajikistan, southeastern Kyrgyzstan, and the East Kazakhstan Region. Its breeding range touches the northern reaches of Bhutan, Nepal, and the Indian subcontinent within Changtang, Tibet. During winter, it may be found in eastern Kazakhstan, northern India, and central and eastern China, with occasional sightings in Japan.

Behaviour

The Upland Buzzard exhibits typical Buteo behavior, engaging in extensive soaring flights. It is adept at hovering, a skill often employed during hunting. Lacking traditional perches, it swoops down from flight to capture prey or occasionally utilizes rocks as vantage points. This species is a partial migrant, traveling minimal distances in search of suitable hunting grounds.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Upland Buzzard consist of a prolonged nasal mewing, reminiscent of the Common Buzzard's call, though it tends to vocalize less frequently.

Breeding

Breeding season spans from April to August, with nests typically situated on cliff outcrops, crags, or steep rocky slopes. The nests are constructed with sticks and lined with soft materials. Clutch sizes vary, with an average of 2 to 4 eggs, and incubation lasts 36 to 38 days. Fledging occurs around 45 days, with brood sizes averaging 1.95 in western and central Mongolia.

Similar Species

The Upland Buzzard can be confused with the Long-legged, Himalayan, and Eastern Buzzards. However, its larger size and distinct plumage patterns, particularly the dark morph's indistinguishable appearance from the Long-legged Buzzard, aid in its identification.

Diet and Feeding

A specialized hunter of small mammals, the Upland Buzzard's diet is dominated by voles, pikas, and gerbils. It adapts to prey availability, occasionally consuming passerine birds, insects, and even larger prey such as hares and snowcocks. In some regions, it competes with the Eurasian Eagle-owl for food and may fall prey to larger raptors like the Golden Eagle.

Conservation status

The Upland Buzzard is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a large range and no significant decline in population numbers. It is generally uncommon but not considered rare or under immediate threat.