The Rufous-winged Buzzard is a medium-sized Asian bird of prey belonging to the hawk and eagle family, Accipitridae. It is easily recognized by its greyish-brown head and upper body, bright yellow eyes and cere, and prominent reddish-chestnut (rufous) flight feathers visible in flight. Unlike many migratory raptors in the region, this bird is primarily a resident species inhabiting open dry deciduous forests, savannas, and nearby agricultural lands. It typically hunts from open perches such as dead trees or telephone posts, swooping down to seize lizards, frogs, crabs, small snakes, and large insects. As an active carnivore, it plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of terrestrial and wetland edge ecosystems across Southeast Asia.