Hello everyone! Today, I’d like to talk a bit about the Eastern Buzzard, a bird often seen soaring in the sky, closer to us than we might think.
The Eastern Buzzard, with a body length of 50-60 cm, can be likened to a crow-sized hawk. While it appears similar to the Black Kite, it’s actually a bit smaller. Its underwings are whitish, and its tail feathers have a rounded shape, with females being slightly larger than males. With wings spread, it spans about 120-140 cm, a truly magnificent sight. Spotting the subtle differences in the sky makes it easier to identify this bird. Perched on branches, its stout appearance is quite adorable.
Despite its relaxed and calm appearance, the Eastern Buzzard is a master hunter. It uses the wind for hovering and dives steeply to catch prey like mice and snakes, a true masterpiece of nature. During breeding season, it may emit a “pee-ah” call. Its hunting prowess is surprising, considering its appearance!
In Hokkaido and northern Honshu, it can be seen throughout the year, and during winter, it migrates to various plains. It is widely distributed across the Eurasian continent and breeds in Japan’s mountain forests. In places like Irago Cape, you might also witness the “hawk migration” alongside the Grey-faced Buzzard and Oriental Honey-buzzard.
The Eastern Buzzard, relatively easy to observe. If you hear its adorable “pee-ah” call, do look up to the sky. Let’s meet again next time!
