Common Buzzard

Buteo buteo

Genus · Buteos Family · Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
FarmlandForest deciduousGrassland

Look for them perched on electricity poles or fence posts along roads. In flight, they hold their wings in a shallow 'V' shape while soaring.

Common Buzzard
Stats
Wingspan110–132 cm
Weight430–1360 g
Length46–58 cm
Lifespan wild10–25 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typePlatform
Clutch size2–4 eggs
Incubation33–35 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationPartial migratory
Social BehaviourSolitary

Diet: Carnivore

🐸Amphibians
🦅Birds
🦴Carrion
🦗Insects
🐭Mammals
🦎Reptiles
🪱Worms

Habitat

🚜 Farmland🌳 Forest deciduous🌿 Grassland
✦ Fun Fact

In the mid-20th century, the buzzard population was affected by rabbit myxomatosis. This disease killed off the rabbit population, which was buzzards' primary food source.

About

The Common Buzzard is the most widespread bird of prey in Europe. It is a medium-to-large raptor with broad, rounded wings and a fan-shaped tail. Buzzard's plumage is famous for its variety. Colors range from dark chocolate-brown to nearly white. It is highly adaptable and lives in woodlands, farmland, and near motorways.

Behaviour

Buzzards are frequently seen soaring in wide circles on thermal updrafts. They emit a plaintive, cat-like 'mewing' call. They are versatile hunters and eat small mammals, birds, and earthworms. They are also opportunistic scavengers. Smaller birds like crows and gulls often 'mob' Buzzards in the air.

Similar species

Rough-legged Buzzard
🐦
Rough-legged Buzzard
Buteo lagopus
European Honey Buzzard
🐦
European Honey Buzzard
Pernis apivorus
Red Kite
🐦
Red Kite
Milvus milvus
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