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Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo): The Ultimate Guide to Britain's Most Widespread Bird of Prey

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)


The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is one of the United Kingdom's most recognisable and successful birds of prey. 


Once restricted to remote areas due to persecution, this magnificent raptor has made a remarkable comeback and can now be seen soaring over countryside, woodlands, farmland, and even suburban areas across much of Britain.

Common Buzzard in flight


With its broad wings, distinctive mewing call, and impressive aerial displays, the common buzzard has become a favourite among wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Whether circling high on thermal currents or perched on a fence post scanning for prey, this adaptable hunter is an essential part of the UK's natural heritage.


In this guide, we'll explore the taxonomy, behaviour, habitat, diet, conservation status, and fascinating facts about the common buzzard, helping you understand why this bird of prey has become one of Britain's greatest wildlife success stories.



Taxonomy and Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Accipitriformes

Family: Accipitridae

Genus: Buteo

Species: Buteo buteo


The Accipitridae family includes many well-known birds of prey, such as eagles, kites, harriers, and hawks. 

The common buzzard is closely related to other members of the Buteo genus, which are characterised by broad wings, sturdy bodies, and soaring flight.


The species name Buteo buteo reflects its placement within this distinctive group of medium-sized raptors. Across Europe and parts of Asia, the common buzzard is one of the most widespread birds of prey.


The Common Buzzard swooping in


What Does a Common Buzzard Look Like?

One of the most interesting aspects of the common buzzard is its highly variable plumage. Unlike many bird species, buzzards can differ dramatically in colouration.


Key Identification Features

Broad, rounded wings

Short neck

Fan-shaped tail

Stocky body

Powerful hooked beak

Strong yellow legs and talons


Colour Variations

Buzzards range from:

• Very dark brown individuals

• Rich chocolate-brown birds

• Pale brown forms

• Almost cream-coloured morphs


Despite this variation, most common buzzards display:

• A pale breast band

• Dark wing edges

• A broad tail with subtle barring

• Dark eyes

Buzzard close-up showing its eyes


Size

Adult common buzzards typically measure:

Length: 46–58 cm

Wingspan: 110–132 cm

Weight: 550–1,300 g


Females are generally larger and heavier than males, a trait common among birds of prey.



Distribution and Range in the UK

The common buzzard is now Britain's most widespread bird of prey.


Historically, buzzards suffered severe declines due to persecution by gamekeepers and farmers. By the early twentieth century, they were largely confined to western Britain, including parts of Wales, Scotland, and south-west England.


Today, their range has expanded dramatically.



Where Can You Find Buzzards?

Buzzards are commonly seen throughout:

England

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland


They are particularly abundant in:

The Welsh countryside

The Scottish Highlands

South-west England

Northern England's upland regions


In many parts of southern and central England, buzzards have become a familiar sight above roads, fields, and woodlands.



Habitat Preferences

The common buzzard is remarkably adaptable, contributing significantly to its success.

Buzzard 'perch hunting' looking for prey


Preferred Habitats

Buzzards thrive in landscapes that combine:

• Woodland for nesting

• Open farmland for hunting

• Grassland

• Heathland

• Moorland


Mixed agricultural landscapes are especially attractive because they provide both nesting opportunities and abundant prey.


Urban Expansion

In recent decades, buzzards have increasingly adapted to areas near towns and cities. While still primarily associated with rural environments, they can sometimes be observed hunting on the outskirts of urban developments.



Diet and Hunting Behaviour

The common buzzard is an opportunistic predator and scavenger. Rather than specialising in a single prey type, it takes advantage of whatever food is most readily available.


What Do Buzzards Eat?

Their diet commonly includes:

Rabbits, Voles, Mice, Rats, Small birds, Young gamebirds, Amphibians, Reptiles, Invertebrates, Carrion

Earthworms can form a surprisingly important part of the diet, especially after rain when they are easily accessible.



Hunting Techniques

Buzzards employ several hunting methods:


Soaring and Scanning

One of the most recognisable behaviours involves circling high overhead while searching for movement below.


Perch Hunting

Buzzards frequently sit on:

• Fence posts

• Telegraph poles

• Trees

From these elevated positions, they watch for prey before launching a swift attack.


Ground Foraging

Unlike some birds of prey, buzzards often spend time walking on the ground, particularly when feeding on carrion or invertebrates.

Buzzard taking off after scavenging on the ground


Scavenging Behaviour

Roadkill provides an important food source for many buzzards. Their willingness to scavenge helps explain their ability to survive in diverse environments.



Breeding and Nesting

The breeding season is one of the most fascinating periods in a buzzard's annual cycle.


Courtship Displays

During spring, pairs perform spectacular aerial displays involving:

• Circling flights

• Steep dives

• Rolling manoeuvres

• Calling displays


These flights help strengthen pair bonds and establish territories.


Nest Construction

Buzzards usually build nests in mature trees.

Nests are constructed from: Twigs, Branches, Leaves, Fresh greenery

Many pairs reuse the same nesting territory year after year, adding new material each season.

Adult leaving nest after feeding chicks


Eggs and Chicks

Females typically lay:

• 2–4 eggs

Incubation lasts approximately:

• 33–38 days

After hatching, chicks remain in the nest for around:

• 6–8 weeks


Both parents contribute to feeding and protecting the young.



Survival Challenges

Young buzzards face numerous threats, including:

• Harsh weather

• Food shortages

• Predation

• Human disturbance


However, successful pairs can raise healthy broods that contribute to population growth.



Behaviour and Social Structure

Common buzzards are generally territorial during the breeding season.

Outside the breeding period, however, they may tolerate other buzzards nearby, particularly in areas with abundant food.

Buzzard mewing in flight soaring on thermals


Flight Characteristics

Buzzards are famous for their soaring ability.

Their broad wings allow them to exploit thermal air currents, enabling them to remain airborne for long periods while expending minimal energy.

Observers often mistake soaring buzzards for eagles due to their impressive silhouette.


Vocalisations

The buzzard's call is one of Britain's most distinctive bird sounds.

It is often described as:

"pee-yow" or "mewing"


Many people can mistake this call for that of an eagle because it is frequently used in films and television productions to represent large birds of prey.



Conservation Status

The common buzzard represents one of the UK's greatest conservation success stories.


Historical Decline

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, buzzards suffered from:

• Shooting

• Poisoning

• Egg collecting

• Habitat loss


As a result, populations declined dramatically.


Recovery

Several factors contributed to their recovery:

• Legal protection

• Reduced persecution

• Improved public attitudes

• Increased woodland cover


Today, buzzard numbers are strong across much of the UK.

The Common Buzzard is always alert


Current Status

The common buzzard is considered a species of least conservation concern globally and maintains a healthy breeding population throughout Britain.

Continued legal protection remains important to ensure long-term population stability.



Interesting Facts About Common Buzzards


1. They Are Britain's Most Common Bird of Prey

The common buzzard is now the UK's most widespread diurnal raptor.


2. Their Colouration Is Extremely Variable

Few British birds display such dramatic variation in plumage.


3. They Can Live for More Than Two Decades

Wild buzzards may survive for over 20 years under favourable conditions.


4. They Often Feed on Earthworms

Despite their fierce appearance, buzzards frequently consume worms and other invertebrates.


5. Their Call Is Famous in Cinema

The iconic "eagle scream" heard in many films is often actually a buzzard recording.


6. They Use Thermal Currents Efficiently

Buzzards can soar for extended periods with minimal wing flapping.


7. They Have Expanded Their Range Significantly

Their modern distribution is far larger than it was a century ago.



Buzzard vs Hawk: What's the Difference?

Many people confuse buzzards with hawks.

Buzzards: Broad wings, Stocky build, Soaring flight, Often hunt from perches

Hawks: Shorter, rounded wings, Longer tails, Faster manoeuvring flight, Often hunt birds in woodland


Buzzards are generally larger and more adapted to soaring than most hawk species found in Britain.



How to Spot a Buzzard in the UK

If you want to see a common buzzard, look for:

• Open countryside near woodland

• Motorways and rural roads

• Farmland

• Hillsides

• Nature reserves


Best Time to Watch

The best viewing opportunities usually occur:

• Mid-morning

• Early afternoon

• Warm sunny days (thermal currents during these periods encourage soaring behaviour)


Identification Tips

Watch for:

• Broad wings held in a shallow "V"

• Slow circling flight

• Fan-shaped tail

• Distinctive mewing call


Even beginner birdwatchers can learn to identify buzzards with a little practice.



Frequently Asked Questions


Are common buzzards rare in the UK?

No. They are now one of the UK's most widespread birds of prey and can be found throughout much of the country.


Do buzzards attack pets?

Healthy pets are generally not at risk. Buzzards primarily feed on small mammals, carrion, and other natural prey.


What is the lifespan of a common buzzard?

Many survive for over a decade in the wild, while some individuals can live beyond 20 years.


Why do buzzards circle in the sky?

They use rising warm air, known as thermals, to gain height while conserving energy.


Can buzzards be seen in cities?

They are primarily rural birds but increasingly occur around suburban and urban fringes.



Conclusion

The common buzzard is a remarkable example of wildlife resilience and adaptation. From a period of severe decline to becoming Britain's most widespread bird of prey, its recovery demonstrates the positive impact of conservation and legal protection.

For wildlife enthusiasts across the UK, few sights are more inspiring than a buzzard effortlessly soaring above the countryside. Its broad wings, haunting call, and impressive hunting abilities make it one of the most fascinating birds in Britain.


Whether you are a dedicated birdwatcher or simply enjoy observing nature, learning about the common buzzard offers valuable insight into the rich biodiversity that continues to thrive across the British landscape.


Read more about:

Why corvids mob raptors


The differences between buzzards and kites

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