Wildlifeof Bhutan
Upland Buzzard
Birds of Prey
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Buteo hemilasius
Basic stats
Diet
Small mammals mainly; also small to large birds, insects and bird eggs
Habitat
Mountainous grassy and rocky areas; alpine meadow, upland steppe and plateaus
Range
Central Asia, northern South Asia and East Asia, from Kazakhstan to Korea
Size
57–72cm
Wingspan
143–161cm
Weight
Males 950–1,400g; females 970–2,050g
The upland buzzard is the largest species of its genus, 57 to 72cm long with a wingspan of 143 to 161cm, long-winged and rather eagle-like. Males weigh 950 to 1,400g and females 970 to 2,050g. The pale form is generally beige and earthy dark brown. Fourteen birds on the Tibetan Plateau averaged 639mm long and 1,557g (Wikipedia, general species account).
It lives in mountainous grassy and rocky areas from Kazakhstan to Korea, nesting in alpine meadow, upland steppe and plateaus. It is migratory over short distances, apparently to avoid snow cover that hampers hunting. It lives mainly on small mammals but also takes birds and insects. Its call is a prolonged nasal mewing. The sources read give nothing specific to Bhutan.
Quick answers
- What does the Upland Buzzard eat?
- Small mammals mainly; also small to large birds, insects and bird eggs
- What habitat does the Upland Buzzard live in?
- Mountainous grassy and rocky areas; alpine meadow, upland steppe and plateaus
- Where is the Upland Buzzard found?
- Central Asia, northern South Asia and East Asia, from Kazakhstan to Korea
- How big is the Upland Buzzard?
- 57–72cm
- What is the wingspan of the Upland Buzzard?
- 143–161cm
- How much does the Upland Buzzard weigh?
- Males 950–1,400g; females 970–2,050g