Common Buzzard

About

The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a medium-sized raptor with a robust build, broad wings, and a relatively short tail. It is one of the most widespread and familiar birds of prey across Europe and Asia, known for its soaring flight and variable plumage. Its diet primarily consists of small mammals, birds, and carrion, making it an opportunistic hunter.

Size & lifespan

Length

40-58 cm

Wingspan

100-130 cm

Weight

427-1364 g (females typically larger and heavier than males)

Lifespan

Typically 8-10 years in the wild, up to 25 years in captivity.

Diet

Carnivore (primarily small mammals like voles, mice, rabbits; also small birds, reptiles, amphibians, large insects, and carrion).

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Highly variable, ranging from very dark brown to pale cream, often with mottled or streaked underparts. Most common morphs are brown above with paler, streaked underparts. A dark carpal patch (wrist patch) on the underwing is a key identification feature. The tail is typically barred, though the extent of barring varies.

Beak shape

Strong, hooked beak, dark grey to black with a yellow cere.

Eye color

Typically yellow to reddish-brown in adults, paler in juveniles.

Leg color

Yellow, with black talons.

Distinguishing features

Broad, rounded wings held in a shallow 'V' shape (dihedral) when soaring. Relatively short, broad tail. Dark carpal patches on the underwing are often prominent. Highly variable plumage makes identification challenging but also unique.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles tend to have paler eyes (often greyish-yellow), less distinct barring on the tail, and often more streaking on the underparts, particularly on the belly and flanks. The dark carpal patches are usually present.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage variation is primarily individual (morphs) rather than seasonal.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are generally larger and heavier than males, but plumage is similar.

How to identify

1. 1

   Flight Profile

   Look for broad, rounded wings held in a shallow 'V' (dihedral) when soaring. The tail is relatively short and broad. This distinguishes it from falcons (pointed wings) and accipiters (shorter, rounded wings, longer tail, flap-glide flight).

2. 2

   Underwing Markings

   Identify the prominent dark carpal (wrist) patches on the underside of the wings. This is a key field mark, though their prominence can vary with plumage morph.

3. 3

   Plumage Variability

   Be aware that Common Buzzards come in a wide range of plumages, from very dark to very pale. Focus on structural features and flight style rather than just color. Most have some degree of streaking or barring on the underparts and a barred tail.

4. 4

   Vocalization

   Listen for the distinctive, drawn-out, mewing 'pee-yow' call, often given while soaring. This is a very reliable identification cue.

5. 5

   Behavior

   Observe its hunting style: often perching on a prominent lookout or soaring high on thermals. It's a generalist predator, not specialized like some other raptors.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Forests, woodlands, agricultural land, heathland, moorland, mountains, and coastal areas.

Geographic range

Widespread across Europe and Asia, from the Atlantic coast to Japan. Also found in parts of North Africa.

Elevation range

Sea level up to 2,500 meters, occasionally higher in mountainous regions.

Preferred environments

Prefers a mosaic of woodland (for nesting) and open country (for hunting). Often seen perched on prominent trees, posts, or soaring over open fields.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal.

Feeding habits

Primarily a perch-and-pounce hunter, often sitting on a vantage point to scan for prey. Also hunts by soaring or hovering over open ground. Will readily take carrion, especially in winter or during periods of food scarcity. Known to follow agricultural machinery to catch disturbed prey.

Social behavior

Generally solitary or seen in pairs during the breeding season. May gather in small groups at abundant food sources or during migration.

Flight pattern

Characterized by broad, rounded wings held in a shallow dihedral when soaring. Often circles high on thermals. Flight is typically slow and deliberate, with deep, powerful wing beats when actively flying. Can hover briefly in a headwind.

Migration pattern

Northern and eastern populations are migratory, moving south and west for the winter. Western and southern European populations are largely resident or undertake short-distance dispersal. Migratory birds can form large kettles during autumn migration.

Territoriality

Territorial during the breeding season, defending nesting and hunting areas. Pairs often engage in aerial displays to assert territory.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically March to August, with egg-laying from April to May.

Nesting habits

Nests are usually built high in trees (often deciduous or coniferous), close to the main trunk or in a fork. Nests are large structures made of sticks, lined with moss, leaves, and sometimes wool. Both sexes contribute to nest building and maintenance.

Clutch size

2-4 eggs.

Egg description

Typically 2-4 eggs (range 1-6), dull white or pale bluish-white, often sparsely marked with reddish-brown or grey blotches.

Incubation period

33-35 days, primarily by the female, with the male providing food.

Fledging period

42-50 days after hatching. Young remain dependent on parents for several weeks after fledging.

Parental care

Both parents care for the young. The female primarily incubates and broods, while the male provides most of the food during the early nestling stage. Both parents feed the older nestlings and fledglings.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Scan the Sky. Common Buzzards spend a lot of time soaring, especially on sunny days. Look up frequently, particularly over open areas or hillsides.
2. Check Prominent Perches. They often use high vantage points like isolated trees, telegraph poles, or fence posts to survey their hunting grounds. Use binoculars to scan these spots.
3. Listen for Calls. Their distinctive 'mewing' call is often the first indication of their presence, even before you see them.
4. Observe Flight Style. Familiarize yourself with their characteristic broad-winged, shallow-dihedral soaring flight to distinguish them from other raptors.
5. Look for Kettles. During migration, especially in autumn, look for groups of buzzards (and other raptors) circling together in 'kettles' as they gain height on thermals.

Similar species

Quick facts

Status:

Resident and migratory across its range

Diet:

Opportunistic carnivore, mainly small mammals and carrion

Flight:

Soaring with wings in shallow 'V' (dihedral)

Call:

Distinctive mewing 'pee-yow'

Plumage:

Highly variable, dark carpal patches are key

Fun facts

• The Common Buzzard is one of the most successful raptors in Europe, having recovered significantly from historical persecution and pesticide use.
• Its plumage is so variable that no two individuals look exactly alike, leading to challenges in identification for beginners.
• Despite its name, the Common Buzzard is not closely related to the New World vultures, which are also sometimes called 'buzzards' (e.g., Turkey Vulture).
• They are highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of habitats, from dense forests to open agricultural landscapes.
• During courtship, pairs perform spectacular aerial displays, including 'sky-dancing' with dives and rolls.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Accipitriformes

Family

Accipitridae

Genus

Buteo

Species

Buteo buteo

Explore the Common Buzzard