Common Buzzard look-alikes

Key differences

Rough-legged Buzzards are typically paler overall, with a distinctive dark belly patch, a white tail base with a broad dark terminal band, and feathered tarsi (legs). They also have a more pronounced dark carpal patch and often hover more frequently than Common Buzzards.

Key differences

Honey Buzzards have a smaller head, longer tail, and more slender appearance. Their wings are held flatter or slightly bowed when soaring, and they have fewer, broader bars on the tail (typically 2-3 broad dark bands). They lack the prominent dark carpal patch of the Common Buzzard and have a more pigeon-like head shape.

Key differences

Sparrowhawks are much smaller, with shorter, rounded wings and a longer tail. They have a characteristic 'flap-flap-glide' flight pattern and are typically found in denser woodland. Their flight profile is very different from the broad-winged, soaring buzzard.

Key differences

Goshawks are larger than Sparrowhawks but still more agile and powerful than a Buzzard. They have broader, more rounded wings and a longer tail than a Buzzard, and a more direct, powerful flight. They also lack the Buzzard's characteristic soaring profile and mewing call.