Species information
Scientific name: Butastur indicus
Japanese name: サシバ
Chinese name: 灰面鵟鷹、灰面鷲
English name: Grey-faced Buzzard
Origin: Breeds in Russia, China, Korea, and Honshu, Japan. Migrates to Southeast Asia for winter.
Ecology and description
Grey-faced Buzzard migrates through the Ryukyu Islands from breeding grounds in Honshu, Japan, and other regions, heading to Southeast Asia by early October. Flocks of Grey-faced Buzzard can be observed migrating in early October, and some individuals remain to winter on Okinawajima, Amami Oshima, and other islands.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
During our 【Morning Birding】 and 【Forest Walk】 from October to March, it is possible to see Grey-faced Buzzard during the daytime. Occasionally, during the 【Night Birding】 we may encounter individuals roosting in trees.
Data on the Migration of Grey-faced Buzzard
The Hawk Migration Network of Japan conducts surveys on migratory birds across Japan.
Past records page: http://hawknet.sunnyday.jp/hawknet/hawknet0.html
Select a survey location to view past survey results.