Bird Profiles - Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Call
Status in UK
Around 30-40-000 pairs estimated.
Brief description
The common Buzzard has a length of between 51-57 cm and a wing span of around 128 cm, the weight difference between the smaller males to larger females give a range of between 0.3 and 1.5 kg.
The Common Buzzard is easily recognised with its broad rounded wings and tail, they soar effortlessly searching for food and defending territories. Differing colour phase occur and in one area its possible to view very dark brown phased Buzzard to almost white Buzzards.
Habitat
Woodlands and open areas including farmland, moorland upland and low land.
Diet
Mammals up to the size of Rabbits, small birds are taken but normally only fledging. Insects are also taken as this mighty hunter can often be viewed looking for worms on recently ploughed fields. Carrion also plays an important part in the Common Buzzard’s success.
Nest
Large stick nest built into the crown of the Tree or even large hedgerow shrub, and will also build its nest on cliffs.
The Common Buzzard suffered a massive decline over the 20th Century and is now recovering quite well, especially in the western half of the UK.
Still persecuted in the UK practically susceptible to deliberate poisoning and shooting
Around 30-
Brief description
The common Buzzard has a length of between 51-
The Common Buzzard is easily recognised with its broad rounded wings and tail, they soar effortlessly searching for food and defending territories. Differing colour phase occur and in one area its possible to view very dark brown phased Buzzard to almost white Buzzards.
Habitat
Woodlands and open areas including farmland, moorland upland and low land.
Diet
Mammals up to the size of Rabbits, small birds are taken but normally only fledging. Insects are also taken as this mighty hunter can often be viewed looking for worms on recently ploughed fields. Carrion also plays an important part in the Common Buzzard’s success.
Nest
Large stick nest built into the crown of the Tree or even large hedgerow shrub, and will also build its nest on cliffs.
The Common Buzzard suffered a massive decline over the 20th Century and is now recovering quite well, especially in the western half of the UK.
Still persecuted in the UK practically susceptible to deliberate poisoning and shooting
Pictures © Ian McGuire
Written by Chris Sperring MBE - not to be re-produced without the permission of The Hawk and Owl Trust
