The black baza, or Aviceda leuphotes, is a small-sized raptor found in the forests of Northeast India and Southeast Asia. Many populations of this bird are migratory, such as the species found in the Indian region. In southern India it has been reported mainly in the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. It is also known to breed in northeastern India and Burma. Stray sightings of this bird have also been reported in or near urban areas such as the Guindy National Park in Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram and Bangalore.
The black baza is a highly distinctive looking bird with an overall black colouring and a white chest. It has a slender black crest, which is held vertically or at an angle while perched but is usually hidden during flight. It has rusty-coloured stripes on its belly, short, stout legs and strong talons. It prefers foothill and lowland forests.
It is a social bird, often soaring in large flocks and roosting communally. While in flight, it may be spotted by the checkerboard pattern of its upper wings, visible from below. It perches on branches of tall trees rising above the forest canopy looking for prey. It feeds on insects which it catches mid-air, or off a leaf, with its feet. It also attempts to capture small birds such as wagt9ails by making quick sallies into flocks. It is also known to feed on the fruits of the oil palm.
Its call is a squeaky, echoing whistle or a ‘chu-weep’. Both male and female birds take part in nest building, incubation and feeding the chicks. The incubation period is about 26 to 27 days. This species is listed under ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List.
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