Common Buzzard

The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a medium-to-large bird of prey, with a robust body and broad wings. Its plumage is highly variable, ranging from almost uniform black-brown to mainly white. The head is round with a slender bill, and the tail is fairly short. The legs are somewhat short and mainly bare. This raptor measures between 40 and 58 cm in length and has a wingspan of 109–140 cm. Females are typically larger than males.

Identification Tips

Buzzards have a round head, a somewhat slender bill, and long wings that reach or fall slightly short of the tail tip when perched. The tail is relatively short. They can appear compact but may also seem large relative to other common raptors. The plumage is highly variable, with typical individuals being dark brown above and paler below with a streaked throat and chest. Flight feathers are greyish, and the tail usually shows a broad dark subterminal band.

Habitat

Common Buzzards inhabit the interface of woodlands and open grounds, such as forest edges, small woods, or shelterbelts with adjacent grassland or farmland. They are also found in open moorland with some trees for perching and nesting.

Distribution

The species is widespread across Europe, extending its breeding range across the Palearctic to northwestern China, far western Siberia, and northwestern Mongolia. It is a year-round resident in much of its range but migrates south from colder parts of the Northern Hemisphere for the winter.

Behaviour

Buzzards spend much of their day perched, often on tree tops, bare branches, or telegraph poles. They are gifted soarers and can do so for extended periods. They hunt by dropping from a perch or by low flight, mainly taking prey on the ground.

Song & Calls

The main call is a plaintive, far-carrying "pee-yow" or "peee-oo," used for contact and in aerial displays. Calls vary in sharpness and pitch depending on the context, such as aggression, warning, or alarm.

Breeding

Buzzards typically build bulky nests of sticks and twigs, often lined with greenery. They lay 2 to 6 eggs, with the female doing most of the incubation over 33–35 days. The young fledge at around 43–54 days old.

Similar Species

The Common Buzzard may be confused with other raptors, especially the European Honey Buzzard, which mimics the plumage of the Common Buzzard. However, Honey Buzzards have distinct flight patterns and wing shapes.

Diet and Feeding

Buzzards are opportunistic predators, feeding mostly on small mammals, especially rodents like voles. They also take birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and occasionally carrion. Hunting success is influenced by habitat and prey availability.

Conservation Status

The Common Buzzard is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a global population well into the millions. It is considered an ideal bioindicator due to its abundance and resilience to environmental changes.