Buzzard

Buteo buteo

Group: Kites, hawks and eagles

UK Conservation Status: Green

Main Image

RSPB

Secondary Image

RSPB

Tertiary Image

How to identify

Now the most common and widespread UK bird of prey, the Buzzard is quite large with broad, rounded wings, and a short neck and tail. When gliding and soaring, it will often hold its wings in a shallow ‘V’ and the tail is fanned. Buzzards vary in colour from all dark brown to much paler variations, but all have dark wingtips and a finely-striped tail. Their mournful mewing call could be mistaken for a cat.

Beak Colour Yellow, Black
Conservation Status Green
Diet Buzzards tend to eat small mammals, birds and carrion. Even earthworms and large insects when other prey is in short supply.
Feather Brown, Black, White
Leg Colour Yellow
Length 51-57cm
Habitats Woodland, Upland, Farmland, Heathland, Grassland
Uk Breeding 57,000-79,000 pairs
Weight 550-1,300g
Wingspan 113-128cm

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