Buteo glacialis
Arctic Buzzard
Field Report Summary
Physical Description
Large bird of prey, approximately 4 feet wingspan, with the general build of a buzzard. Predominantly white plumage with dark grey wingtips and mottled grey patterns on the back and tail feathers. The wing feathers are thicker and more densely packed than a typical buzzard, containing a network of capillaries that circulate warm blood. Bare facial skin is black and leathery. Has strong, taloned feet adapted for gripping ice and snow. Possesses a thick layer of subcutaneous fat for insulation.
Habitat
Arctic tundra and icy coastlines.
Dietary Behavior
Hunts small mammals and scavenges on marine mammal carcasses.
Evolutionary Origin
Cross-species breeding of avian and mammalian species to produce extreme cold-resistance genetics.
Behavioral Notes
Possesses a keen sense of smell, able to detect carrion buried beneath several feet of snow.