All About the Common Buzzard

Key Features & Behaviour

The Common Buzzard is a medium to large bird of prey with broad wings that are rounded and a short tail. Across their body, they have brown feathers with white undersides on their neck and their wings. It's important to note that they have highly variable plumage, ranging from dark brown to very pale, but most do have dark wingtips and a pale U pattern on their chest.

The common buzzard is one of the most numerous birds of prey in its range, with estimates of its total global population running well into the millions. In the UK, it's one of the most frequently seen birds of prey, often spotted soaring high above woodlands, grasslands, and farmlands. When gliding, they hold their wings in a shallow V shape.

Their beak is sharp and in a hook shape, and they have large, sharp talons too. The Common Buzzard's wingspan is around 120cm, and they can weigh up to 1KG.

The Common Buzzard has a call that is often described as a plaintive, far-carrying pee yow or peee oo.

How to Identify Common Buzzards?

The common Buzzard is often confused with other raptors, especially when in flight or from a distance. Here are a few key differences.

Honey Buzzard VS Common Buzzard

Honey Buzzard

  • Eats mainly wasps, bees, and larvae

  • Slender body, longer wings, smaller head

  • Migrates long distances to Africa

  • Rarer and harder to spot

Common Buzzard

  • Eats small mammals, birds, and carrion

  • Stocky build with broad wings

  • Mostly resident (some short migration)

  • Very common across Europe

Common Buzzard VS Red Kite

Common Buzzard

  • Stocky shape, broad wings

  • Variable plumage, often brown

  • Hunts by soaring and perching

  • Aggressive toward other birds

Red Kite

  • Slim body, very long wings

  • Reddish body with a deeply forked tail

  • Feeds a lot on carrion

  • Graceful flier, less aggressive

Bird of Prey: Common Buzzard Population

During the mid 1900s, the population of Buzzards in the UK plummeted, and numbers were low; now they are on the Birds of Conservation Concern Green List and are now the common Bclassified as the Least Concern by the IUCN.

In fact, since the 1970s, the number of this species numbers have quadrupled (there are now 70,000 breeding pairs!)

Buzzard populations were harmed by persecution from gamekeepers and the use of pesticides, which led to them disappearing from most of the UK by the mid 20th century. Now, there is legal protection and a reduction in pesticides, allowing Buzzards to recover from this persecution.

Now, Common Buzzards are relatively easy birds to spot, especially on warm, sunny days when they are flying in search of prey.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily, Common Buzzards mainly feed on small mammals, especially small rodents, such as voles, mice, and shrews. However, they can take prey as large as rabbits and as small as earthworms.

The diet can also include birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. (Sometimes they will scavenge on Carrion, including roadkill).

When hunting, they hunt from a perch, but they are also known for foraging on the ground.

Where do Buzzards Live?

Common Buzzards are adaptable and can survive in most habitats, including woodlands, farmlands, and moorland. They are increasingly being found in urban areas, nesting in parks and cemeteries, alongside rural habitats.

They are often spotted perched on tree tops, bare branches, and telegraph poles.

The Buzzard Breeding Season

Common Buzzards are solitary except during breeding season, when they become a monogamous pair that mate for life. In Spring, male buzzards perform a spectacular courtship display, which involves a steep dive and soaring round and round to attract a mate and establish territory. This is often known as the 'rollercoaster'. The breeding season for Common Buzzards generally occurs from March to July.

They build a large nest site in the woodland, these are mainly made of twigs and branches and lined with moss. Interestingly, Common Buzzards are known to have several alternate nests within their territory, typically two to four.

The female Common Buzzard will usually lay two to three eggs per clutch, and these are incubated for about 33 to 35 days. The incubating and brooding of the young is usually mainly done by the females.

The first attempt to leave the nest for the Common Buzzard chicks is around 40 to 50 days of age. Once they fledge, they are sometimes still fed by their parents for a few weeks.

Five Facts about the Common Buzzard

  1. The Common Buzzard is one of the most widespread and frequently seen birds of prey in Europe.

  2. It is highly adaptable and can live in woodlands, farmland, and areas close to human settlements.

  3. The Common Buzzard has a varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and carrion.

  4. It is often seen soaring in wide circles, using warm air currents to stay aloft.

  5. The appearance of the Common Buzzard varies greatly, with plumage ranging from very dark brown to almost white.