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  • Buzzard

Buzzard

Buzzard
Buzzard
Buzzard in flight
Buzzard in flight
  • Scientific name: Buteo buteo
  • Bird family: Kites, hawks and eagles
  • UK conservation status: Green
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Buzzard call audio

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Sander Bot, Xeno-canto

Key information

Now the commonest and most widespread UK bird of prey. The buzzard is quite large with broad, rounded wings, and a short neck and tail. When gliding and soaring it will often hold its wings in a shallow 'V' and the tail is fanned. Buzzards are variable in colour from all dark brown to much paler variations, all have dark wingtips and a finely barred tail. Their plaintive mewing call could be mistaken for a cat.

What they eat:

Buzzards tend to eat small mammals, birds and carrion. Even earthworms and large insects when other prey is in short supply.

Measurements:

Length:
51-57cm
Wingspan:
113-128cm
Weight:
550-1,000g (male); 700-1,300g (female)

Population:

UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.
UK breeding:
57,000-79,000 pairs

Identifying features:

Buzzard

Perched Buzzard illustration
Feather colour: Black Brown White
Leg colour: Yellow
Beak: Black Yellow Short Hooked Powerful Chunky
Natural habitats: Woodland Farmland Grassland Heathland Upland

Similar birds:

Honey buzzard male in flight
Honey buzzard
Adult Golden Eagle in flight
Golden eagle

Where and when to see them

Greatest numbers of buzzards can be found in Scotland, Wales, the Lake District and SW England, but now breeding in every county of the UK. They are found in most habitats particularly woodland, moorland, scrub, pasture, arable, marsh bog and villages. Buzzards can even be seen in towns and cities including Glasgow. Look for birds soaring over wooded hillsides in fine weather, or perched on fence posts and pylons. In some areas they are known as the tourists' eagle, often being mistaken for this larger bird of prey.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Buzzard distribution map

Buzzards can be seen all year round. Birds soar, display and call most in spring.

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

RSPB reserves

  • RSPB Fairy Glen
  • RSPB West Sedgemoor
  • RSPB Church Wood
  • RSPB Cwm Clydach
  • RSPB Carsington Water
  • RSPB Chapel Wood
  • RSPB Brading Marshes
  • RSPB Labrador Bay
  • RSPB Darts Farm

In more depth

Buzzard breeding and nesting habits

Buzzard breeding and nesting habits

Buzzard population trends

Buzzard population trends

Hunting and feeding habits

Hunting and feeding habits

Threats

Threats

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The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981

The Wildlife and Countryside Act is the primary legislation protecting animals, plants, and certain habitats in the UK
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