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Buzzard

Buteo buteo

With piercing eyes, broad wings and a distinctive 'mewing' call, this adaptable raptor is a common sight soaring over fields and woodlands across Europe and beyond.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Buzzard exhibits a wide variety of plumage colours, ranging from dark chocolate-brown to pale cream. Its broad wings and short, fan-shaped tail are characteristic features, and its wingspan of 113-128 cm makes it an impressive sight in flight.

Both sexes are similar in appearance, with females usually larger than males. Juveniles tend to have lighter plumage with more streaking (not barred). All Buzzards have yellow legs, a dark-tipped hooked beak, and piercing dark eyes.

Size

Length

51cm to 57cm

Wingspan

113cm to 128cm

Weight

550g to 1.2kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown

Secondary Colour

White Black

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Yellow

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Buzzard can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Buzzard is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Buzzard is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Buzzard is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Buzzard is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Buzzard can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Buzzard can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Buzzard is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Buzzard is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Buzzard is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Buzzard is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Buzzard is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Buzzards thrive in various habitats, including woodlands, farmland, and grasslands across Europe and parts of Asia. They prefer areas with a mix of open ground for hunting and trees for nesting and perching.

In the UK, Buzzards are now widespread, having recolonised eastern areas in recent decades. Some northern populations migrate south for winter, while others are resident year-round, depending on food availability.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Buzzard. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons