Genus BAZA

Genus BAZA.

Baza Hodgs., J. A. S. B., v, p. 777 (1836).

Type, Falco leuphotes Temm.

I can see no structural or other differences between Baza leuphotes and Baza jerdoni necessitating their being placed in different genera and follow Blanford in placing them both in the genus Baza, which has priority over Lophastur.

The genus contains certain birds the exact position of which it is difficult to determine. The stout feet and tarsi resemble those of Astur, whilst the partly-feathered lores; seem to show a connection with Pernis. In nesting-habits .they resemble Astur, and
Butastur.

In this genus the bill is strong and well curved and the upper mandible is furnished with a double tooth; the cere is small-, the narrow, slanting nostril bring placed at its front edge, with a membrane partly covering it the tarsus is short and stout, scutellated in front and above, the toes, reticulated elsewhere; the upper third or more is feathered in front; wings moderate, the third longest in leuphotes, the fourth in jerdoni; tail long, the end square or very slightly graduated.

The genus is represented in Africa, Madagascar and the Oriental Region to Australia.

In my Catalogue I used the name Lophastur for leuphotes hut it was proposed for jerdoni and would have to be used for that bird if generically separated, Aviceda,, was proposed for an African form.

Key to Species.

A.Upper plumage principally black; third primary longest................ B. leuphotes, p. 171.
B.Upper plumage brown; fourth primary longest or fourth and fifth subequal..................B. jerdoni, p. 173.