Buzzard
Buteo buteo
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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