The black baza is a small bird of prey found in the forests of Northeast India, the eastern Himalayas, China and Southeast Asia. Many populations are migratory, including those in the Indian region, which winter in the south of the Peninsula and Sri Lanka. Black bazas have short, stout legs and feet with strong talons, and a prominent crest. They are found in dense forest, often in small groups, and can often be found perched on bare branches of tall trees rising above the forest canopy.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from Northeast India and the eastern Himalayan foothills through Bangladesh and Myanmar to southern China, Indochina, and Sundaland including the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Prefers dense evergreen and mixed forests but also uses forest edges, riverine woodland, and tall tree plantations. Often perches on emergent dead snags above the canopy to sally for prey. During migration it can appear in more open country and coastal flyways. Frequently gathers at communal roosts in wooded areas during the nonbreeding season.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black baza is a small, crested raptor that often travels and hunts in small groups—unusual among birds of prey. It feeds largely on large flying insects taken on the wing high above the forest canopy. In flight it shows bold white patches in the wings and a prominent crest, making it distinctive even at a distance. Many populations move seasonally, with northern birds wintering farther south in peninsular India and Southeast Asia.
Characteristic "tooth" on the upper mandible
The crest is upright at rest
A ventral view in flight
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Unlike many raptors, black bazas are often seen in small groups and may form loose flocks while foraging or on migration. They typically nest high in tall trees, building a small stick platform well concealed by foliage. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and show aerial courtship displays. Communal roosting is reported outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched, whistled notes and thin squeals, often given in series during flight or from prominent perches. Calls can become more frequent around roost sites and during displays.
Plumage
Mostly dark slate-black to black above with bold contrasting white patches on the scapulars and in the wings; underparts show contrasting dark-and-white patterning. Tail is dark with pale bands, and the species sports a prominent, shaggy crest. The silhouette is compact with broad, rounded wings.
Diet
Feeds predominantly on large insects such as cicadas, mantises, grasshoppers, beetles, and termites, which it often snatches in flight. It occasionally takes small vertebrates like lizards or small frogs and may glean insects from foliage. Foraging is usually high over or at the forest canopy, using sallies from exposed perches.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, clearings, and above the canopy of mature evergreen forest. Frequently uses tall, bare snags or emergent trees as vantage points. During migration it may forage over open country and coastal woodland.
