Common Buzzard
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The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a bird of prey from the Old World. It is typically between 51-57 cm in length with a 110 to 130 cm wingspan, making it a medium-sized raptor. Its range covers most of Europe and extends into Asia. It is resident except in the coldest parts of its range.
It breeds in woodland, but usually hunts over open land. It eats mainly small mammals, and will come to carrion.
Buzzards do not normally form flocks, but several may be seen together on migration or in good habitat. The Victorian writer on Dartmoor, William Crossing, noted that he had on occasions seen flocks of 15 or more at some places.
This broad-winged raptor has a wide variety of plumages, and in Europe can be confused with the similar Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus) and the only distantly related Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), which mimics the Common Buzzard's plumage for a degree of protection from Northern Goshawks.
The call is a plaintive peea-ay.
In North America, the term "buzzard" refers solely to vultures, and in particular the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). The term "buzzard" only applies to birds of prey when intended as a derogatory epithet, specifically for raptors that are considered pests, such as the Red-tailed Hawks.
Gallery
References
- BirdLife International (2004). [Buteo buteo]. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
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