Aviceda jerdoni is a species of bird found in South Asia. The name is pronounced /əˈvɪsɪdə dʒərˈdoʊni/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first part of the name, Aviceda, is spelled with a 'c' instead of a 'k' because it is derived from the Latin word "avicida," meaning bird catcher. The second part, jerdoni, is named after Thomas C. Jerdon, a British ornithologist, and is spelled in accordance with his surname. The correct spelling of the scientific name is crucial for accurate identification and classification of species.
Aviceda jerdoni is a species of bird commonly known as the Jerdon's Baza. It is a medium-sized raptor that belongs to the Accipitridae family, which includes hawks, eagles, and kites. This species is native to the Indian subcontinent, specifically found in parts of India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Jerdon's Bazas have a distinctive appearance with a compact body and relatively short wings and tail. They measure around 35 to 40 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of approximately 70 to 80 centimeters. The males and females have a similar appearance, with a grayish-brown plumage on the upperparts and pale underparts. They also display a characteristic black stripe across their eyes and a hooked beak used for catching prey.
These birds inhabit dense forests and wooded areas, where they are skilled hunters. Their diet predominantly consists of small mammals, birds, and insects, which they primarily catch while perched on tree branches or by making swift flight maneuvers. Jerdon's Bazas are known for their agile flying abilities, using their short wings to navigate quickly through the dense foliage.
The Aviceda jerdoni species is currently classified as near-threatened due to habitat loss and degradation caused by deforestation and human activities. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting their remaining habitats and raising awareness about their ecological importance. Additionally, further research and data on their population size and range are necessary to implement effective conservation strategies to ensure the survival of this species.
The word "Aviceda" is derived from the Latin word "avicida", which means "bird-slayer" or "bird-killing". This name was given to the bird genus Aviceda due to its predatory nature and diet, which primarily consists of small birds.
The species epithet "jerdoni" is named in honor of Thomas C. Jerdon, a British physician and naturalist who worked extensively in India during the 19th century. Jerdon made significant contributions to the understanding of Indian avifauna, and many bird species have been named after him to honor his work. "Aviceda jerdoni" refers to a specific bird species within the Aviceda genus that is found in India and Southeast Asia.