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Buzzard

Buzzard populations in the United Kingdom dropped quite sharply during the 20th century but in recent years have had a steady recovery to the extent that the buzzard is now one of Britain’s commonest birds of prey. It is found throughout Europe apart from northern Scandinavia and Iceland. Some populations are migratory, with buzzards from parts of eastern Europe wintering in south and east Africa.

The buzzard (Buteo buteo) measures up to 550 mm (21.5 inches) in length. The plumage is mainly brown with white underparts. However, individuals can vary in appearance, with some being much darker underneath. The hooked bill is brownish grey with a yellow base (greenish in juveniles). The legs are yellow.

Buzzards in flight are distinguishable from red kites by having rounded as opposed to forked tails. The tail has narrow brown and grey bars with a black bar at the tip. The wings are broad and rounded.

<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Common_Buzzard_in_flight_2010-06-16.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>

The flight is laboured, with soaring and occasional hovering. Buzzards spend a lot of time perched in trees or on other high points, from which they will swoop to take food.

The call is a long-drawn-out “pee-oo” with occasional croaking noises.

Buzzards feed mainly on small animals (including carrion), young birds and insects.

Breeding begins in April or May with a nest being built in a tree or on a cliff ledge, but sometimes a ground site may be used. An old nest may be re-used with the addition of fresh material. Nesting materials depend on local availability, with sticks being preferred inland and dry seaweed at coastal sites. Lining materials can include bracken and moss.

The clutch of two or three eggs is incubated mainly by the female with the male fetching food for her. The eggs hatch after around 34 days but not all at the same time. This means that the last chick to hatch will always be smaller than the others and will therefore be at a disadvantage in the fight for food. If three eggs hatch it is rare for all three chicks to survive to adulthood.

Fledging takes place at around 50 days although the young will be dependent on their parents for another 40 or so days.

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Written by Indexer

4 Comments

  1. Buzzards.. I noticed that people over on the other side of the pond say buzzard for bird of prey? Is this all birds of prey? This buzzard, the buteo buteo looks almost identical to our Red Tailed Hawk, and I also noticed that so much is the same in their behavior. Great post as always Indexer!

    • There are several “Buteo” buzzards, and this article is about the common buzzard that is most often seen in the UK. They are not the same species as the “honey buzzards” that are “Pernis”.
      I have seen (at a falconry display) what we call a red-tailed buzzard but in the US is a red-tailed hawk – this link takes you to my 2016 blog post on it – http://dld.bz/f77hy

    • And no – there are plenty of other birds of prey in the UK apart from buzzards. Species include golden eagle, hobby, kestrel, sparrowhawk and red kite.

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