EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Pacific Baza

Pacific Baza (Aviceda subcristata), Family Accipitridae
Northern Territory, Australia

Explanation:  This striking pair of raptors is fulfilling the promise of another generation to come.  These are Pacific Bazas, seen here mating in the woodland subcanopy of Manton Dam Recreation Area near Palmerston in tropical Northern Territory of Australia.

  Pacific Bazas, also called Crested Hawks, belong to the genus Aviceda that includes Cuckoo-Hawks.  It is a small genus of only 5 species, but these birds of prey are quite unique in appearance. 

  As with some other raptors, the female is slightly larger than the male in what is known as reverse sexual dimorphism.

  Pacific Bazas are mostly insectivorous and can be detected thrashing through branches after stick and leaf insects.  

  Found widely throughout parts of Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia, and adjacent islands, populations of the Pacific Baza seem secure.

  And the Pacific Baza is yet another bird of prey sporting a head crest ...