Pacific Baza illustration
Birdsong field guide

Pacific Baza

Aviceda subcristata

A slender, medium-sized raptor recognized by its prominent crest and bold horizontal barring on the underparts. It is known for its acrobatic foraging style, often tumbling through the canopy to snatch prey from foliage.

What it sounds like

A distinctive, thin, high-pitched double whistle described as 'wee-choo' or 'ee-chu'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Rec. Marc Anderson · Solomon IslandsCC BY-NC-NDXeno-canto

Field notes

  • Possesses a short, pointed crest that is frequently held erect when the bird is perched.
  • Primarily feeds on large insects like phasmids and mantids, as well as small tree frogs.
  • Engages in spectacular undulating courtship displays featuring mid-air somersaults and deep loops.
  • Features relatively weak feet compared to other hawks, optimized for snatching soft-bodied prey rather than heavy lifting.
  • Southern populations are partially migratory, moving to more northern latitudes during the winter months.
Habitat
Rainforests, monsoon forests, timbered watercourses, and well-vegetated urban parks.
Range
Northern and eastern Australia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and the Lesser Sundas.

Similar & commonly confused birds

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