Common buzzard

The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a medium-to-large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, widely distributed across Europe and parts of Asia, and recognized for its broad wings, robust build, and highly variable plumage.

Taxonomy and systematics

The common buzzard was formally described by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae under its current binomial name, Buteo buteo. It belongs to the genus Buteo, which comprises medium-sized raptors often referred to as buzzards in the Old World and hawks in North America. The species is divided into several subspecies, with the nominate subspecies B. b. buteo breeding across most of Europe, and B. b. vulpinus (sometimes considered a separate species, the steppe buzzard) breeding in eastern Europe and central Asia.

Description

The common buzzard is a robust raptor with broad, rounded wings and a relatively short, fanned tail. Adults typically measure between 40 and 58 centimeters (16 to 23 inches) in length, with a wingspan ranging from 109 to 136 centimeters (43 to 54 inches). Body mass can vary significantly, generally falling between 600 and 1,300 grams (1.3 to 2.9 pounds), with females being noticeably larger and heavier than males.

One of the most distinctive features of the common buzzard is its highly polymorphic plumage. Individuals can range from almost pure white to very dark brown, with various intermediate morphs exhibiting a mix of brown, rufous, and white markings. Regardless of the morph, most adults display a pale crescent on the underwing coverts and a dark trailing edge on the wings. The tail usually features multiple dark bands. Juveniles are similar to adults but often have paler eyes and slightly different patterning on their underparts.

Distribution and habitat

The common buzzard has an extensive range, breeding throughout most of Europe, extending eastward into central Asia, and southward into parts of northern Africa and the Middle East. Populations in western and southern Europe are largely resident, while those breeding in the northern and eastern extremes of the range, particularly the steppe buzzard subspecies, are highly migratory, wintering in Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent.

This species is highly adaptable and occupies a wide variety of habitats. It favors landscapes that offer a mosaic of woodland for nesting and roosting, interspersed with open areas such as pastures, arable land, moorlands, and clearings for hunting. It can be found from sea level up to the tree line in mountainous regions, and it readily adapts to human-modified environments, including agricultural landscapes and forest edges.

Behaviour and ecology

The common buzzard is often observed soaring high in the sky on thermals or perched prominently on a tree branch, fence post, or telegraph pole while scanning the ground for prey. Its flight is characterized by slow, deep wingbeats interspersed with gliding, and it is highly adept at utilizing updrafts to soar with minimal energy expenditure. During the breeding season, pairs engage in spectacular aerial displays, which include mutual soaring, sky-dancing, and steep, undulating dives accompanied by vocalizations.

The vocalization of the common buzzard is a distinctive, mewing call, often transcribed as a drawn-out "pee-oo." This call is frequently heard during the breeding season or when the bird is agitated, and it is sometimes mimicked by other bird species, such as the Eurasian jay.

Diet and hunting

As an opportunistic predator and scavenger, the common buzzard has a highly varied diet that fluctuates based on seasonal availability and local habitat. Its primary prey consists of small mammals, particularly voles, mice, and rabbits. When small mammal populations are low, it will readily switch to alternative food sources, including earthworms, large insects, amphibians, reptiles, and small birds.

The buzzard typically hunts from a stationary perch, dropping swiftly onto its prey once spotted. It also hunts on the wing, soaring or hovering over open ground before diving. Additionally, it is a frequent scavenger, often seen feeding on carrion, such as roadkill or the remains of larger animals left by other predators. Despite its size, it is not generally a powerful hunter of large, healthy prey and relies more on surprise and opportunism.

Breeding

The breeding season for the common buzzard typically begins in early spring. Pairs are generally monogamous and often maintain their pair bonds and territories for several years. The nest is a bulky structure constructed from sticks and twigs, lined with softer materials such as leaves, moss, and grass. It is usually built high in the fork of a tree, often near the edge of a woodland, though cliff ledges and occasionally the ground are used in treeless areas.

The female lays a clutch of two to four eggs, which are whitish with brown or grey speckles. Incubation lasts for about 33 to 38 days, primarily undertaken by the female, while the male provides food. After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for approximately 40 to 50 days before fledging. They continue to depend on their parents for food and protection for several weeks after leaving the nest, gradually learning to hunt and fly effectively before dispersing to find their own territories.

Conservation status

The common buzzard is currently listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, owing to its extremely large range and stable or increasing global population. Historically, the species suffered significant declines in many parts of Europe due to persecution by gamekeepers and farmers, as well as the impacts of organochlorine pesticides in the mid-20th century. However, legal protection, the banning of harmful pesticides, and changes in agricultural and forestry practices have facilitated a strong recovery in recent decades. Today, it is one of the most abundant and widely distributed birds of prey in Europe.