The white-eyed buzzard is a medium-sized hawk, distinct from the true buzzards in the genus Buteo, found in South Asia. Adults have a rufous tail, a distinctive white iris, and a white throat bearing a dark mesial stripe bordered. The head is brown and the median coverts of the upper wing are pale. They lack the typical carpal patches on the underside of the wings seen in true buzzards, but the entire wing lining appears dark in contrast to the flight feathers. They sit upright on perches for prolonged periods and soar on thermals in search of insect and small vertebrate prey. They are vociferous in the breeding season, and several birds may be heard calling as they soar together.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the Indian subcontinent, including much of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, with local occurrences in Sri Lanka and adjoining regions. It prefers open habitats such as dry grasslands, scrub, agricultural fields, and scattered tree groves. The species avoids dense forest and very high elevations but uses edges, riverine belts, and semi-arid country. It commonly hunts from roadside poles, field trees, and village outskirts.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its name, it is not a true buzzard (genus Buteo) but a Butastur hawk, easily recognized by its striking white iris in adults. It favors open country and farmlands, often perching on poles or trees to scan for prey. Insects form a large part of its diet, making it a helpful controller of agricultural pests. Juveniles have darker eyes that pale as they mature.
Adult, note the pale appearance to the median upperwing coverts
A young bird
In flight, the dark wing lining and white throat are distinctive on the underside.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often perched upright for long periods. Breeding occurs in the dry-to-pre-monsoon months; nests are placed in trees, sometimes reusing old corvid nests. Clutches are small, and both adults attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mewing, whistled call often rendered as a drawn-out pee-oo, especially frequent during the breeding season. Calls are given in flight while circling on thermals and from exposed perches.
