A David Mead original from Raptors of the World, published by Christopher Helm as a Handbook (2001) and a Field Guide (2005).

Plate 9 in both books

Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda jerdoni
India, Sri Lanka, SE Asia

Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes
India, SE Asia

Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata
Australia, New Guinea, Melanesia

ABOUT THE BIRDS Bulging yellow eyes give the Jerdon’s and Pacific Bazas a look of surprise, accentuated by the lack of heavy brows (supra-orbital ridges), which give most other raptors their fierce expression. The smaller Black Baza may appear crow-like in flight.

Related to cuckoo-hawks (plate 8), bazas are generally most active at dusk, when they search the foliage of forest trees for large insects and small lizards.

Medium Gouache on tinted acrylic gesso
Image size 8in x 12in (20cm x 30cm)