The upland buzzard is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. The largest species of the Buteo genus, this buzzard lives in mountainous grassy and rocky areas in areas of Central Asia, northern South Asia and East Asia from Kazakhstan to Korea. The upland buzzard is migratory but typically covers a short distance apparently to avoid snow cover that may hamper prey capture. This species primarily subsists on small mammals but does not shun alternate prey from small to large birds and insects. This little known raptor has a large range, and though generally uncommon, it is not thought to be rare or declining as a species. As a result it is classified as least concern by the IUCN.
Region
Central and East Asia
Typical Environment
Found from Kazakhstan and Mongolia across the Tibetan Plateau through northern China to Korea, with winter movements into lower valleys and open plains. It favors open alpine steppe, montane grasslands, and rocky slopes, and also hunts along the edges of semi-desert and agricultural mosaics. Nests are typically on cliffs, rocky crags, earthen banks, or occasionally trees and human structures. The species seeks wide, treeless vistas with strong thermal updrafts for soaring and hunting.
Altitude Range
1000–5000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The upland buzzard is the largest member of the genus Buteo, adapted to vast high-altitude steppes and plateaus. It is a short-distance migrant, often shifting elevation or latitude mainly to avoid heavy snow that covers prey. Pairs often reuse substantial stick nests on cliffs or rocky outcrops, and their numbers can track vole and pika cycles. Despite being locally uncommon, its wide range and adaptability keep it assessed as Least Concern.
A portrait of the upland buzzard.
An upland buzzard in flight.
An upland buzzard in Tibet.
An upland buzzard nest.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with steady wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually forms monogamous pairs that defend large territories. Nests are bulky stick platforms on cliffs or rocky outcrops, occasionally on trees or man-made structures; 2–4 eggs are typical. The female primarily incubates while the male provides prey, and pairs may reuse and enlarge the same nest over multiple seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include a mellow, mewing call similar to other buzzards, often rendered as a drawn-out 'pee-yaa'. Calls become more frequent and insistent near the nest, with sharp whistles and plaintive mews during territorial or courtship displays.
Plumage
Variable from pale to dark morphs; typical birds show pale creamy underparts with heavy streaking and a darker belly band, brown upperparts, and a pale tail with fine barring. Underwings are light with contrasting dark carpal patches. Feathers appear broad and slightly shaggy on the legs, giving a robust look.
Diet
It primarily hunts small mammals such as pikas, voles, ground squirrels, and young marmots. It will also take birds from larks to gamebird chicks, as well as reptiles and large insects when available. The species is opportunistic and may scavenge carrion in lean times. Hunting is performed from prominent perches or by soaring and quartering low over open ground before stooping on prey.
Preferred Environment
Most often hunts over open steppe, alpine meadows, and montane grasslands where burrowing mammals are abundant. It uses fence posts, rocks, and power poles as vantage points and will work along field margins and road verges. In winter it shifts to lower valleys and open agricultural plains as snow cover increases.
