Jerdon’s Baza: The Elegant Hunter of India’s Northeast
Jerdon’s Baza (*Aviceda jerdoni*) is a medium-sized raptor belonging to the Accipitridae family, known for its elegant form and striking plumage. Found primarily in the subtropical and tropical forests of northeastern India, it ranges across areas such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Characterized by its crest, Jerdon’s Baza has a sleek black-and-white pattern on its head, a rufous breast, and brownish wings adorned with barred patterns that help it blend seamlessly with the forest foliage. Known for its grace and skill, it predominantly feeds on large insects and small reptiles, often observed gliding effortlessly through dense foliage in search of prey.
Jerdon’s Baza is a solitary bird, best spotted during the early summer months when it nests in regions like Rongtong, known for its abundant birdlife yet still developing as a birding hotspot. While not widely known among casual birdwatchers, this species is a hidden gem in India’s avian diversity, contributing to the region’s rich biodiversity.