Common Buzzard
NameCommon Buzzard
Common NameCommon Buzzard
Scientific NameButeo buteo
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)120
Length (cm)50
Weight (g)800
Plumage DetailsPlumage is highly variable, typically dark brown on the upperparts with lighter, mottled underparts. The breast is often streaked or barred with white and brown, and the belly can be pale. The tail is usually barred, and the cere and legs are yellow.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, plaintive, mewing 'pee-yow' or 'kyaaah' call, often given while soaring.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, mountain, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across most of Europe and Asia, extending from the UK and Portugal eastward to Japan, and south to parts of North Africa and India. Many populations are migratory.
Identifying Featuresbroad, rounded wings, short tail, variable brown and white plumage, mewing call, often seen soaring
Description
The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor with broad wings and a short tail, often seen soaring high in the sky or perched prominently. It is an opportunistic hunter, preying on small mammals and birds, and is known for its distinctive mewing call.
