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Eastern Buzzard (Buteo japonicus)

Eastern Buzzard

Buteo japonicus

Least Concern

Overview

The eastern buzzard, or Japanese buzzard (Buteo japonicus), is a medium to large bird of prey native to East Asia, parts of Russia, and South Asia. Although formerly treated as a subspecies of the common buzzard, molecular studies have recognised it as a distinct species within the family Accipitridae.

Habitat

The species is native to East Asia and parts of Russia and South Asia, with four subspecies breeding in regions ranging from Siberia and Mongolia to Japan and the Izu Islands. Some populations migrate to winter in Southeast Asia, including southern Japan, southeastern China, Taiwan, and other parts of the region.

Diet

The eastern buzzard is carnivorous.

Did you know?

The species was formerly considered a subspecies of the widespread common buzzard (Buteo buteo) until molecular phylogenetic studies revealed that the original classification of B. buteo was polyphyletic.

Sources